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Meet the Author: Libby McNamee, author of Susanna's Midnight Ride In-Person
We’ve all heard of Paul Revere, but have you heard of Susanna Bolling? Susanna’s Midnight Ride is a historical novel for young people based on the true story of a 16-year-old girl from Virginia who saved French General Lafayette from capture, paving the way for the decisive Battle of Yorktown. Join author Libby McNamee to ride along with Susanna as she makes history.
Almost five years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution hung in the balance. In late May 1781, General Cornwallis invaded City Point, VA, and quartered his army there. As 16-year-old Susanna Bolling served the British general and his officers dinner, she overheard their plans to capture General Lafayette and crush the American rebellion once and for all. Under the cover of darkness, she snuck out of her house through a secret underground tunnel and canoed downriver. Then she grabbed a neighbor’s horse and rode ten miles to warn Lafayette. But would she make it back home by sunrise without detection?
Presented in partnership with Historic Smithfield. A Montgomery County 250 and Virginia 250 Event.
- Date:
- Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Time:
- 11:00am - 11:55am
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Mark Hollingsworth Community Room
- Branch:
- Jessie Peterman Memorial Library
- Audience:
- Children Teens
- Categories:
- History and Genealogy
Libby McNamee is a Virginia author and speaker. Based on her research, the Virginia General Assembly designated December 5 as “Susanna Bolling Day.” A historic marker now commemorates her courageous ride and a new musical based on Susanna's Midnight Ride premiered in Virginia Beach in 2025. Ms. McNamee is the author of numerous histories for young people, including Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: America's First Lady, The Epic Story of 1776: 25 People, 13 Colonies, and 1 War, The Epic Story of 1777-1779: Trials, Turning Points, and Triumphs, and the new 2025 title The Union Spymistress: The Story of Elizabeth Van Lew.