2021-04-26 Mon

Sybil Ludington was an American Revolutionary War heroine, remembered for her valiant role in defense against British attack.

Born in New York in 1761, Ludington was the eldest of Henry and Abigail’s twelve children. In addition to working as a farmer, Ludington’s father was a gristmill owner who served in the military for over sixty years, including during the French and Indian War. He was loyal to the British crown until 1773 when he switched sides and joined the Patriots in the American Revolution.

Sybil Ludington was 16 years old when a messenger entered the Ludington house in Patterson, New York, on April 26, 1777. He reported that the British troops had landed in Long Island Sound, and intended to destroy the militia’s supply center in Danbury, Connecticut. Colonel Ludington was unable to leave his station, so Sybil volunteered to make the ride to inform the militia of the impending attack. She rode through the night spreading the alarm, alerting the troops in time for them to fight the British. Following the battle, General George Washington personally thanked Sybil for her service and bravery.

Ludington has been widely celebrated since around 1900. Memorial statues honor her, and books have been written about her. She was honored on a United States Bicentennial postage stamp that was released on March 25, 1975, which depicts her on her horse, Star. This stamp was part of a set of four commemorative stamps honoring unrecognized heroes of the Revolutionary War.

Image Source: Wikipedia.org