NORTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. - (Oct. 27, 2024)—The Richmond Chapter SAR dedicated a marker honoring Susannah Bolling at the site of Lafayette's headquarters. Approximately 80 people attended the ceremony held at the Half Way House Restaurant. This 16-year-old girl saved General Lafayette from capture by British General Cornwallis, paving the way for the Battle of Yorktown.

As the story goes, British General Cornwallis quartered in her family’s home. Susanna overheard his plot to capture General Lafayette headquartered at the Half Way House, 10 miles away. Susanna snuck out, rode through the night, and warned Lafayette who escaped in May 1781. The manor house was built in 1760 as a stage-coach stop and inn, and served as Lafayette's military headquarters. 

In early 1781, Cornwallis appropriated the house of the Bolling family in Hopewell, Virginia as his headquarters. There the 16-year-old Susannah Bolling (SAR Patriot P-347337) overheard British planning for a raid to capture Lafayette (SAR Patriot P-145669). Susannah was able to leave the house undetected via a tunnel, obtain a horse from a supportive neighbor, and ride about 15 miles in the dark to Lafayette's headquarters. She returned home after warning the Marquis. She reentered her house undetected before dawn. Lafayette was able to elude capture due to Susannah's timely information.

The sign reads as follows:

Hᴇʀᴏ Oғ Tʜᴇ Rᴇᴠᴏʟᴜᴛɪᴏɴ 

About the Richmond Chapter

Charted on April 11, 1923, the Richmond Chapter is the oldest recognized chapter and serves as one of seven chapters within the Central Region of the Virginia SAR.  Our chapter focuses on patriotic, education and historical programs serving the community, veterans and youth. To learn more, visit our website at https://www.richmondchaptersar.org/