Most Americans know about Paul Revere's midnight ride, but there were many other brave messengers, just like Paul, tipping off patriots to the actions of the British military.

One of those riders was a 16 year old farm girl, Sybil Ludington.

On April 26th, 1777, British General William Tryon led an attack on the town of Danbury, Connecticut.

While his primary goal was to collect the bounty, the Crown set for Colonel Henry Ludington.

He took a scorched earth approach.

Tryon instructed his men to destroy everything in the area, setting fire to homes, warehouses, and over 1500 tents in a gruesome display of force.

Colonel Henry Ludington was at his house enjoying an evening with his family, unaware of the attack until he received a knock on the door.

A weary messenger informed the colonel of the raid and pleaded for help.

Henry knew he had to act quickly.

However, he also didn't leave his post.

That's when his eldest daughter, Sybil volunteered herself.

This poem, written by Burton Brailey, describes Henry's reaction.

“You!

?” said the Colonel and grimley smiled.

“You my daughter” “You're just a child.” “Child!

?” cried Sybil “Why I'm 16!” “My mind is alert and my senses keen.” “I know where the trails and roadways are” “and I can gallop as fast” “and as far as any masculine rider can.” “You want a messenger?” “I'm your man!” By 9 pm, Sybil began her ride to rally the town's militia.

Her route was a staggering 40 miles long, over three times the length of Paul Revere's.

“Theres trouble!” she yelled as she rode through moonlit farmyards.

“The British are burning Danbury!” “The Colonel wants you right away!” By the time she completed her journey and arrived back home, it was daybreak.

The 421 men Sybil rallied, led by her father, drove the British back to their ships.

As a symbol of strength and fortitude in the face of the revolution.

Sybils story serves as a great inspiration.

However, some scholars say the ride never actually happened.

Details like the horse's name and even the spelling of Sybil's name are inconsistent.

In addition, the earliest mention of Sybil's ride was in 1880, 40 years after her death.

Others argue the story is true, lamenting that the stories of heroic women are often the first sacrifices at the altar of history, and as such may not have been documented properly.

Regardless of whether it did or didn't happen, Sybils tail of bravery and patriotism is one that deserves to be told.

Listen, my children, and you shall hear of a lovely, feminine Paul Revere, who rode an equally famous ride through a different part of the countryside where Sybil Ludingtons name recalls a ride as daring as that of Paul's.

Funding for this video was made in part by a community engagement grant around the American Revolution, a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.

You can stream the full film on the PBS app.

We'd like to thank the following funders.

Simple Civics.

Brought to you in part by the Indiana State Teachers Association.