Sybil Ludington, Age 16 (Continued)

Sybil Ludington yelled, “The British are burning Danbury! Muster at Ludington’s at daybreak!” During Sybil’s 40-mile midnight ride she was determined to awaken, alert, and assemble her father’s militia (part-time soldiers). At daybreak, 400 troops assembled to ward off the planned attack by the British.

Referred to as the female equivalent of Paul Revere (who rode 15 miles), Sybil and her horse, Star, have a celebrated place in America’s Revolutionary War history. They have been honored several ways.

In 1935, New York State erected historic markers along her route.

In 1961, a larger-than-life bronze statue of Sybil riding Star was erected on the banks of Lake Gleneida in Carmel, NY.

In 1975, during America’s bicentennial, a postage stamp entitled “Contributors to the Cause” was issued featuring Sybil and Star.

In 1979, and on every April since then, The Sybil Ludington 50K Run (a 31 mile foot race) is held in Carmel, NY. It approximates her historic route and ends at her statue at Lake Gleneida, Carmel, NY. Sybil’s birthplace, Fredericksburg, has been renamed Ludingtonville.
(Colonial America: April 26, 1777)