Sybil Rides tells the inspiring true story of events during the American Revolution which resulted in sixteen-year old Sybil Ludington becoming known as the Female Paul Revere. Her ride helped stop a plan by British Commanders to bring an end to the Revolutionary War.
As a teenage female heroine Sybil Ludington is part of many school’s history curriculum yet many people never heard of her. Even fewer know what led to Sybil’s ride or the intense drama and events connected with it.
On a cold rainy night in the spring of 1777, the British Regular Army, along with a regiment of Loyalists, bent on revenge against their Rebel neighbors, plundered and burned Danbury, Connecticut. That raid was part of Lord William Howe’s plan to end the Revolution. During the raid a messenger was sent to the home of Colonel Henry Ludington appealing for help. The Colonel’s sixteen-year old daughter, Sybil, disregarded the danger and bravely rode forty miles on that cold rainy night throughout the Hudson Valley to call the Militia to action.
On her ride Sybil stopped quickly at each home, banged on the doors and windows, and yelled, “Call to arms! The Regulars and Tories are burning Danbury! The Militia is needed! Call to arms!” Families awoke. Men dressed quickly, grabbed their muskets, and headed out into the night to face a powerful foe. Sybil’s courageous ride earned her the nickname, The Female Paul Revere.
This story starts at the beginning of the Revolutionary War with Paul Revere in a rowboat in Boston Harbor, two years before Sybil’s ride. From there it goes to Lexington, Massachusetts, where we see the Militia who responded to Revere’s call, facing the might of the British Army. We learn what really happened and are there as the shot heard round the world is fired and the Revolutionary War starts. We then watch the war shift with a vengeance to New York.
All the events and characters in this book are historical. Some of the dialogue in this book is verbatim. Some of the dialogue is conjecture but based on historical events.
This story not only tells the true compelling story of Sybil Ludington but also of her father, Colonel Henry Ludington, his family, and other unsung heroes.
In this book you meet British officers and their Loyalists allies and see the conflicts between them. You will see the brave, yet humorous way Sybil and her siblings foil the Loyalists attempt to capture their father, Colonel Henry Ludington. You will meet Enoch Crosby, a friend of the Ludingtons, who disregarded the danger and served as a spy in the struggle for independence. You will meet Jacob Angevine, a former slave who earned his freedom and that of his family, by serving in the French and Indian War. You will also meet Joseph, his teenage son who is a friend of Sybil Ludington and a brave member of the Colonel Ludington’s Militia.
You will also meet John Gano the famous Fighting Preacher and his friend, Haym Salomon, a Jewish immigrant who helped secure funding for the Revolution. You will meet Daniel Nimham, Sachem (chief) of the Wappinger Indians and his son Abraham, true unsung American heroes who sacrificed everything during the war. You will see how Luther Holcomb, another brave young unsung hero, helped delay the entire British Army and its attack on Danbury.
One of the surprising characters you will meet is Benedict Arnold who later becomes America’s most notorious traitor. He was once an admirable hero and played an inspiring important part in this story.
The Historical Background section at the end of this book provides important details, explanations, and historical information to enhance the learning experience.
Suggested teaching strategies, questions, strategies, and an extensive bibliography are included for educators.
