SAR honors Susanna Bolling, Virgnia's Paul Revere

One evening in May 1781 a sixteen year old girl overheard a plot to capture Major General Lafayette, commander of Revolutionary War Continental Forces in Virginia. Susanna left her home, rowed across the Appomatox River, then borrowed a friend's horse to make the ride to warn Lafayette.

On October 27, 2024 the Richmond Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution sponsored a ceremony that dedicated a sign commemorating Susanna's act of bravery. By making the ride, she became the Paul Revere of Virginia. The sign reads:

"HERO OF THE REVOLUTION

Susanna Bolling was 16 when British General Cornwallis Quartered in her City Point, Hopewell, VA home. She overheard him plotting to capture Continental Army General Lafayette who headquartered here at the Half Way House. Susanna snuck out of her home, crossed the Appomattox River and rode almost 10 miles through the night to warn Lafayette who escaped. Susanna’s heroism allowed Lafayette to continue leading the Virginia Campaign which ended with Cornwallis in Yorktown and se the stage for the Decisive American Victory"

The sign was dedicated at the Halfway House where Lafayette had his headquarters. The Halfway House was built in 1760. The manor house still stands and is used as the Halfway House Restaurant at 10301 Jefferson Davis Highway, North Chesterfield, VA 23237. The Virginia General Assembly declared December 5, Susanna's birthday, as Susanna Bolling Day throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter was represented by Ken Bonner who participated in Color Guard and Presented the chapter wreath in honor of Miss Bollng.

For more information about the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter please visit our website at: https://johnchampe-sar.org