BETSY’S RIDE

Inscription

BETSY'S RIDE
TEENAGER BETSY DOWDY RODE
HER HORSE BESS OVER 40 MILES
FROM CURRITUCK, ACROSS CAMDEN
TO HERTFORD TO WARN OF
BRITISH ATTACK IN 1775.
NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLIFE INSTITUTE
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2025

The legend of Betsy’s ride takes place during the Revolutionary War in December 1775. British forces, led by Lord Dunmore, were headed south from Norfolk, Virginia to take Great Bridge and encroach on the coast of North Carolina. If the North Carolina militia did not reach the bridge before Dunmore’s troops, the coast would be captured by the British. The militia’s commander, General William Skinner, would need to be notified; however, he was at home in Hertford, over 40 miles away.

News of the potential invasion reached the Dowdy family, in the Currituck Banks, on December 8^th. When sixteen-year-old Betsy Dowdy heard the news, she became determined to alert General Skinner and sprang into action. Betsy snuck out of the house that night, mounted her Spanish Mustang, Black Bess, and rode across the North Carolina countryside. Betsy crossed the Currituck sound, rode through frigid water, and navigated the swamps of Camden. Once she reached Elizabeth City, Betsy boarded Lamb’s ferry to cross the Pasquotank River and continued on to Hertford.

Betsy arrived at Skinner’s home the following morning and alerted him of the British advance. General Skinner acted on this information and sent his militiamen to Great Bridge. The North Carolina militia successfully fought off the British in the Battle of the Great Bridge and forced them to evacuate Virginia. Legend says that Betsy was personally thanked by George Washington for her commitment to American freedom.

See our previous Betsy’s Ride markers:

https://www.wgpfoundation.org/historic-markers/betsys-ride/

https://www.wgpfoundation.org/historic-markers/betsys-ride-2/