History & Maps
The Name: Ringgold
The township was named after Maj. Samuel Ringgold (1996-1846), a hero of the Battle of Palo Alto in the Mexican–American War. During the battle, Ringgold was mortally wounded by cannon fire. He refused to leave the field during the battle. He eventually died of his injuries in Port Isabel, Texas. Major Ringgold was known as an innovator in military practices. Among other things, he designed a riding saddle, referred to as the Ringgold Saddle. He is most notably remembered as the father of modern artillery practices having rewritten much of the U.S. Army’s 1846 field manual - Instruction for Field Artillery.
Creation of the Township
Ringgold Township was the eighteenth township formed in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. Though the area was first settled in 1818, it was formally organized in 1848 from the northern portion of Porter Township. The population of Ringgold Township in the 1850 census was 665. The largest community in the township is Ringgold, which is centrally located. Other township communities include Dora and North Freedom. Adjoining boroughs are Timblin to the south, and Worthville to the north.
Maps and Other Links
PennDOT Township Map
Official Ringgold Township map and Jefferson County map issued from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Google Maps
Link to the Google Maps satellite imagery of Ringgold Township.
1878 Map of Ringgold Township
US Gen Webs 1878 map of Ringgold Township.
1878 map of the Community of Ringgold
PA-Roots Website: Ringgold Township History
PA-Roots Website with a page on the History of Ringgold Township.
Wikipedia Pages