NORFOLK, Va. — We all know the story of Paul Revere and his famous ride, but have you heard of the midnight ride of Betty Dowdy?
Betsy Dowdy was a 16-year-old girl living on the Outer Banks in the 18th century. On Dec. 8, 1775, she and her family received news that the English commander, Lord Dunmore, was leading his men toward Great Bridge. And soon into North Carolina.
In the middle of the cold night, Betsy and her horse swam across the Currituck Sound. She then made her daring ride along dirt roads and through the Great Dismal Swamp. She finally arrived at the home of General William Skinner, more than 40 miles away.
Thanks to Betsy's warning, General Skinner and his North Carolina militia deployed to the Battle of Great Bridge. While they arrived too late, the reinforcements convinced the British to withdraw from the area. It was one of the first steps in ridding Virginia of Lord Dunmore and British colonial rule.
Legend states that General George Washington personally thanked Betsy for her commitment to American freedom. In 2022, a marker commemorating her midnight ride was erected in Barco, North Carolina.
