A Teen Revolutionary War Hero: Sybil Ludington

Most Americans know the story of Paul Revere, the Revolutionary War hero, but have you heard of Sybil Ludington? Revere’s famous midnight ride to warn of the British has been immortalized in books, movies, songs, and poetry. But he wasn’t the only patriot to risk his life delivering critical messages for the cause of liberty. Sybil Ludington was just 16 years old when she embarked on her own midnight ride.

Sybil Ludington’s Ride

Born on April 5, 1761, in modern-day Kent, New York, Sybil Ludington was the eldest of 12 children. Her father, Colonel Henry Ludington, was a respected officer who was in command of the 7th Regiment of the Dutchess County Militia, a volunteer regiment who fought during the Revolutionary War.

On the evening of April 26, 1777, 2,000 British troops, along with 20 transport vessels and six warships, landed at Fairfield, Connecticut. Beginning at the mouth of the Saugatuck River, the force marched eight miles before camping at Weston. The following day, the British traveled to Danbury, where they kicked off a hunt for Continental Army supplies.

The troops left white chalk marks on properties that belonged to British loyalists and spies – a mark that protected them from being destroyed by British forces. Those without the marks, however, were under threat, and within hours, multiple storage facilities belonging to the Continental Army – as well as three private residences – were attacked and set ablaze.

The British troops destroyed American supplies, including flour, beef, coffee, rice, wheat, hospital cots, tents, clothing, shoes, and more. When the soldiers discovered alcohol belonging to the Continentals, they drank it, leading to more destruction sparked by drunken conduct.

When news of the raid reached Colonel Ludington, the military officer moved quickly to round up his militia – but they were difficult to reach, having returned to their homes for the night.

Sybil Ludington knew the area well, and while it is unclear whether the colonel asked his daughter to alert the troops or she volunteered, the teenager left on her horse around 9 p.m., riding 40 miles through the rain – while avoiding British troops – to sound the alarm.

Thanks to Sybil’s courageous efforts, Col. Ludington’s militia was able to catch the British forces in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and forced them back to Long Island Sound.

Sybil, Sibbell, or Sebal?

Historians agree “there is much confusion” over the spelling of Ms. Ludington’s name, according to Historic Patterson, a website celebrating the town’s history:

“There is much confusion concerning the spelling of her first name. Although it is mostly spelled ‘Sybil’, her tombstone displays her name as ‘Sibbell’. However, she signed her Revolutionary War pension application as “Sebal”, which is apparently the spelling she preferred. Her sister Mary spelled her name ‘Sebil.’ In the 1810 census, she is listed as ‘Sibel’ and appears on other records as ‘Cybil.’ Her name does not seem to appear on any official documents as ‘Sybil.’”

Although Paul Revere’s name eclipses Sybil Ludington’s in the history books, the latter had to travel nearly twice as far to accomplish a mission that was no less impactful.

1. Sybil Ludington was just 16 years old when she road 40 miles on horseback to alert American militia members of a British attack.
2. It is unclear how Sybil Ludington’s first name is spelled, but “Sybil” is the most common spelling seen today.
3. Sybil Ludington’s journey was twice as long as Paul Revere’s ride.