[2] The John Rankin House occupies a prominent position on a hill overlooking the town of Ripley and the Ohio River.

The main facade is three bays wide, with a center entrance flanked by sash windows in rectangular openings.

The interior follows a typical center hall plan, with four rooms on the ground floor and two small bedrooms in the attic level.

The interior retains original features and finishes, including wide floor boards and carved fireplace surrounds.

The Rankins sold the house after the American Civil War, and it was purchased by the state in 1938 for use as a historic site.