How did Paul Revere get all the credit? Sure he was a prominent businessman and all, but what Sybil Ludington did was much more amazing. She was the oldest of twelve children, her father was a colonel in the colonial army. One night a soldier stumbled into their home telling of the British invading. As the soldier was exhausted and the father had to prepare for battle, the daughter, just sixteen, was sent to rally the troops.
She mounted her horse, Star, and took off in the rain around 9:00 pm. During this grueling ride, she was attacked by a highwayman, who she fought off with the stick she was using to prod her horse. She rode by herself, all night, covering forty miles. Paul Revere traveled less than half that amount in about two hours.
She arrived home at dawn with the troops all preparing for battle. After the battle was over, George Washington came to her home to thank her.
In 1975 a stamp was issued to honor her.
Other reading on this subject:
Sybil Ludington: The Call To Arms by Vincent Dacquino
Ride For Freedom: The Story Of Sybil Ludington by Judy Hominick & Jeanne Spreier
carolyntorbettjohnson 