Sybil Ludington

Sybil Ludington was a Revolutionary War heroine known for her daring ride to warn the Patriot militia of the British attack.

War Hero

April 5, 1761

February 26, 1839

77

Sybil Ludington, also known as Sybil Ogden, was a heroine of the American Revolutionary War who bravely defended against British attacks. Often compared to Paul Revere, Ludington is best known for her courageous ride on April 26, 1777. Despite a heavy rainstorm, she traveled 40 miles, twice the distance of Revere’s ride, to warn the Patriot militia of the impending British attack. Remarkably, she avoided capture and successfully alerted around 400 militiamen, who assembled under her father’s command to fight the British. Ludington’s bravery and leadership during this ride highlight her significant contribution to the American Revolution.

Apart from her renowned ride, Sybil Ludington contributed to the war effort in various ways. She served as a nurse, tending to injured soldiers during the revolution. Additionally, she married and had children, expanding her family. Ludington was posthumously acknowledged as a revolutionary hero and was commemorated with a series of stamps issued during the United States’ bicentennial in 1975. A 1940 magazine publication featured a poetic rendition of her actions, likening her ride to the one described in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” Sybil Ludington’s courage and determination solidify her status as an important figure in American history.