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.