Sybil Luddington is often referred to as the “female Paul Revere” for her midnight ride to protect her town from an impending British attack.
Luddington Gathers the Militia
Born April 15, 1761, Luddington was 16 when the British Army threatened to invade her town on April 26, 1777. The British had set fire to Danbury, Conn., earlier in the evening and soon would be advancing toward Kent, New York. As the daughter of the local militia commander, Luddington volunteered to ride through the countryside and gather the local militia men.
That night, Ludding rode about twice as far as Paul Revere, covering 40 miles in the rain and mud, screaming about the approach of the British. When she returned home, more than 400 militia men had gathered at the home of her father and were preparing to face-off against the invaders.
Though the men were not able to save the town of Danbury, where much of the militia’s ammunition was stored, they were able to chase the British Army off, sending them back to their boats at sea.
Luddington Honored for her Midnight Ride
Throughout the war, Luddington continued to support the cause of the colonists, often riding as a messenger. Luddington was later recognized by General George Washington for her heroic ride through the rainstorm in Putnam and Duchess counties.
Today, a section of the town is called Luddingtonville in honor of Sybil Luddington’s ride.
Read about other little-known female historical figures:
Mary Jemison, Adopted Seneca
Luisa Roldan, First Female Sculptor in Spain