The Ramsdell House Civil War Home & Museum
The Z. D. Ramsdell House was built atop an Indian burial mound in 1858 in Ceredo, West Virginia, by abolitionist Zophar Ramsdell and his wife Almeda. On The National Register of Historic Places and a last stop on The Underground Railroad, it survived the Civil War and the great floods of 1913 and 1937. It remains the oldest home in Ceredo. Local history suggests it was used as a makeshift hospital during the Civil War, and it was also used for church services, educational and community meetings, dances, and social gatherings. In 2019, the Ramsdell Ceredo Settlers Memorial was dedicated to those buried on the grounds. The home is owned and maintained by the Town of Ceredo as a museum, and free tours are offered.
Our Story
The Ramsdell House was acquired by The Town of Ceredo in 1983 and was restored with assistance from the community and grants from The West Virginia Department of Culture and History. Operated by volunteers for many years as a museum and community meeting place, time and the elements took their toll and the home began to fall into a state of disrepair. The town recently received additional grants and assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History to further restore the home for many more years of use. After some refurbishment, it recently reopened as a museum, with the addition of The Ramsdell Ceredo Settlers Memorial, honoring those buried on the grounds.
Safe Haven
“There’s a sweet, sweet spirit in this place…”
The Ramsdell House was built in 1858 by Zophar Ramsdell, one of approximately 500 anti-slavery colonists recruited by Ceredo founder Eli Thayer to establish a town on the very border between Slave and Free ground. Ceredo was perfectly located on the banks of the Ohio River to be a last stop on The Underground Railroad. Ramsdell and his wife Almeda became leaders in the abolitionist movement and in the Town of Ceredo. The house was built on a Native American burial ground, and survived the raids of The Civil War and the great flood of 1937. Built and always used for good, the home exudes a welcoming spirit of warmth, safety and peace. Historic treasures continue to be found in the attic, walls and floor spaces of the home. It seems to have been preserved so that we can tell its’ story!
PUBLIC HOURS BY APPOINTMENT. Please contact Town Hall at (304) 453-1041 to inquire about availability. You may also email the Ramsdell House Director, Debbie Wolfe at [email protected] with any questions or inquiries.
ALL TOURS FREE
LOCATION: 1108 B Street, Ceredo, WV 25507
