07/04/2026
Here’s a patriotic story for your Independence Day!
Everyone has probably heard of Paul Revere shouting, “the British are coming!” But who you likely haven’t heard of is a young, incredibly brave teenager named Sybil Ludington. She was basically his female equivalent, except she did her ride in skirts, rode twice as far, and possibly rode in a sidesaddle!
On the night of April 26, 1777, 16-year-old Sybil Ludington rode 40 miles on horseback through driving rain across Putnam County, New York.
Her father was a colonel in the continental army. Word came the British troops were headed towards them, intending to raid the Continental Army’s local supply depot. The local militia men had all gone home for the planting season so someone had to ride and rally the troops. The messenger also shared rumors British soldiers were killing young boys who could join the opposition. Sybil was the colonel’s oldest of twelve children. Wanting to protect her younger brothers, she volunteered to deliver the message and send for her father’s 400 troops.
She set off late in the evening on her trusted horse, Star. By morning, she had successfully rallied nearly 400 militiamen to defend Danbury, Connecticut, from a British attack, earning her the historical nickname “the female Paul Revere.” She even went on to be thanked personally by General George Washington.
Though her heroism was largely unrecorded in contemporary records and popularized much later by family accounts, she has become a celebrated symbol of women’s vital contributions to the American Revolution. Today, Sybil is honored with a statue in Carmel, New York, and a commemorative stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service.
A lot of myths and mysticism surround her ride. Some say it didn’t happen. Some say she rode ba****ck. Some say she rode in a sidesaddle. (Of course we sidesaddle riders want to claim her.)
No matter the details, she indeed was an astounding young woman that we should remember and celebrate for her heroism!
