John Salmon "Rip" Ford
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Here Rests in Peace--John Salmon ("Rip") Ford May 26, 1815- November 3, 1897. Native South Carolinan, Pioneer doctor and editor, Republic of Texas Congressman, twice state Senator, Jack Hay's adjutant in war with Mexico, fearless Ranger Captain in border and Indian campaigns, Confederate colonel, Mayor of Austin and Brownsville, member Constitutional Convention of 1875, superintendent State Deaf and Dumb School, charter member of Texas State Historical Association. As warmaker and as peacekeeper, he was steadfast and true to his motto: "Ready, ay, ready!" Erected by the State of Texas, 1963.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John Salmon 'Rip' Ford lived nearly every role the Texas frontier offered: pioneer doctor and newspaper editor, Republic of Texas congressman, state senator, adjutant to Jack Hays in the war with Mexico, and a fearless Ranger captain in border and Indian campaigns. He served as a Confederate colonel during the Civil War and later as mayor of Austin and Brownsville, a constitutional convention delegate, and a charter member of the Texas State Historical Association. His grave marker, erected by the state in 1963, recalls his motto: 'Ready, ay, ready!'
Why it matters
Ford's restless career embodies the sweep of 19th-century Texas history, from the Republic and the Mexican War through the Confederacy and the settling of the frontier.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- San Antonio Fire Museum1.4 mi away · 801 East Houston Street
- Instituto Cultural de Mexico1.4 mi away
- Ralston Family Collections Center1.4 mi away
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium1.5 mi away
- Alamo Vistor Center and Museum (coming 2027)1.5 mi away
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks1.5 mi away
Attractions
- Tower of the Americas1.3 mi away · 739 East César E. Chávez Boulevard, San Antonio, TX
- River boat boarding1.3 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium1.4 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Yanaguana Garden1.5 mi away
- San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo1.5 mi away
- River boat boarding1.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Taco Bell1.4 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Margaritaville1.4 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Bonham Exchange1.4 mi away · 411 Bonham
- Colonial Room1.5 mi away · 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- Which Wich?1.5 mi away
- Mengerita Tacos1.5 mi away · 216 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
Places to stay
- Red Roof PLUS+ San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk1.2 mi away
- Comfort Suites Alamo/River Walk1.2 mi away · 505 Live Oak Street, San Antonio, TX
- La Quinta Inn1.2 mi away · 303 Blum Street, San Antonio, TX
- Days Inn1.3 mi away · 902 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Tru by Hilton San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk1.3 mi away · 901 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Days Inn1.3 mi away · 400 Bowie Street, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · John Salmon 'Rip' Ford
- · Jack Hays
Themes & tags
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