Hungarian version/Magyar változatThe Revolutionary War is rich with folklore and stories that capture the imagination. Here are 10 of the most popular stories (partially true tales, partially only legends, but this is just how folklore works) from this period:
Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride
The tale of Paul Revere’s midnight ride on April 18, 1775, is legendary. Revere warned the colonial militia of British troops’ approach, shouting, “The British are coming!” While his ride was real, folklore often exaggerates his lone heroism, overshadowing others like William Dawes and Samuel Prescott.
2. The Shot Heard ‘Round the World
The opening shot of the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775 is immortalized as the “shot heard ’round the world.” This phrase, from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem, symbolizes the start of the Revolutionary War, though who fired it remains a mystery.
Molly Pitcher
Molly Pitcher is a composite character representing women who aided soldiers during the war. The most famous story depicts her stepping in to man her husband’s cannon after he was wounded during the Battle of Monmouth in 1778.
Benedict Arnold’s Treason
Benedict Arnold’s betrayal is a tale of ambition, greed, and intrigue. A celebrated general, Arnold conspired to hand over West Point to the British but was exposed. His name became synonymous with treachery in American folklore.
The Legend of Nancy Hart
Nancy Hart was a fierce patriot in Georgia who reportedly captured and killed British soldiers who invaded her home. She used cunning and courage to defend her family and fight for the cause, making her a folk hero.
The Ghost of General Anthony Wayne
Known as “Mad Anthony,” Wayne’s restless ghost is said to haunt the Pennsylvania countryside, searching for his bones. According to legend, his body was exhumed and boiled for easier transportation, leading to his spectral wanderings.
The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
The capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys is famous for Allen’s bold demand that the British surrender “in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!”
Sybil Ludington’s Ride
Often called the female Paul Revere, 16-year-old Sybil Ludington rode 40 miles through the night in 1777 to rally militia troops. Her bravery has become a celebrated part of Revolutionary War lore.
The Culper Spy Ring
The Culper Ring, an espionage network during the war, is legendary for its role in gathering intelligence. Tales of secret codes, invisible ink, and hidden messages add to the mystique of this spy ring.
Washington and the Cherry Tree
Though apocryphal, the story of young George Washington confessing to chopping down a cherry tree (“I cannot tell a lie”) is a well-known legend. It underscores his reputed honesty and integrity, though it was likely invented by biographer Parson Weems.
These stories, blending fact and myth, continue to inspire and illustrate the spirit of the American Revolution.