On this day, 250 years ago, Caesar Rodney rode on horseback overnight from Delaware to Philadelphia in a terrible thunderstorm to cast a vote that would forever change the course of human events.
When people think of legendary horseback rides during the American Revolutionary period, it’s safe to assume that most people will think of Paul Revere. While his journey is unquestionably iconic, Rodney’s heroic ride for independence is just as important and arguably even more so. When the people of the 13 colonies needed him most, Rodney rode to the occasion — literally.
The date? July 1, 1776. The scene? The Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia.
Delaware delegates Thomas McKean and George Reed were in Philadelphia, divided over whether to vote for the state’s independence from the British Empire. Rodney, the third Delaware delegate, was in his home state when he received word that his vote was needed, as the fate of the colonies hung in the balance. Ever the patriot, being a veteran of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, Rodney began his heroic “dark knight” ride.
An ardent supporter of independence, Rodney did not hesitate to fulfill his patriotic duty. In the middle of a terrible thunderstorm, Rodney, wearing a green veil to hide a skin cancer ailment, set out to once again fulfill his patriotic duty and continue the fight for independence. He rode for 80 miles, typically a two-day journey back then, yet Rodney did it in just 18 hours, only stopping along the way to change horses. Tired, sick, muddied, and exhausted, the heroic Rodney arrived “in his boots and spurs” just as the voting commenced.
“As I believe the voice of my constituents and all sensible and honest men is in favor of independence, and as my own judgment concurs with them, I give my vote for independence,” Rodney gallantly declared, breaking the tie on Delaware’s vote, allowing the Congress to move forward and officially declare its independence from Britain.
Rodney is an American hero, yet he has never received the proper accolades and recognition for his bravery, dedication, heroism, and historical contributions. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, it is time to change that. It is not an exaggeration to say that without Rodney, there would be no resolution for independence, no Declaration of Independence, and no 250th celebration. Legendary Philadelphia lawyer and author Christine Flowers spoke to me about Rodney’s legacy.
“As children, we are always taught to revere Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington, and rightly so,” Flowers told me. “We are here today because of them. But there is a lesser-known man, one of Italian descent, who is very likely the reason we have a nation: Caesar Rodney.
“A patriot from Delaware, he used the last moments of a noble life to rush back to Philadelphia from his home in Wilmington to deliver a decisive vote in favor of independence. Riddled with cancer, wracked with pain, he mounted his horse and rode the 30 miles to save the nation.”
“His story is our story,” she added. “And he belongs up there with the giants.”
From June 12 through June 13, Delaware state official, attorney, and author Ciro Poppiti, along with the organization 250Ride.org, created a reenactment of Rodney’s “dark knight” horseback ride, starting in Delaware and traveling to Independence Hall. Poppiti told me about Rodney’s heroism and bravery that rainy, summer evening. He spoke of a selfless patriot whose sense of duty inspired him to do what was necessary, no matter the difficulties or odds.
“Love your country, serve your community, answer the call of duty: These are the lessons of Caesar Rodney’s midnight ride from Delaware to Philadelphia in July 1776,” Poppiti wrote in an op-ed about Rodney’s heroic journey.
“Recently, I had the honor of reenacting Rodney’s entire route via horse-and-Carriage,” Poppiti said. “While no reenactment can fully capture the danger and urgency of July 1776, spending 18 hours traveling across Delaware instilled a deeper understanding of the dark knight’s ride.
“Make no mistake, Rodney galloped toward the gallows; nonetheless, he was willing to die fighting for freedom rather than live under despotic tyranny. Every mile of his journey was earned. Every hour required determination. Every decision carried risk. Rodney embodied a self-evident truth: Freedom is not for the passive, the selfish, or the apathetic.”
A ceremony was held at a catering hall in Delaware, which Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) attended and spoke about Rodney’s heroism.
“Two hundred and fifty years ago, it was an uncertain question which way we would go,” Coons said while giving a toast at the event. “And a small, brave, and determined group of Delawareans said, ‘Enough.’ And when divided in Philadelphia, a message went to one Caesar Rodney, we need an answer to the question, we need to know, will you help us break the divide? Will you pull us together? Will you drive us forward?”
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“And Ciro Poppiti, and his spiritual ancestor, Caesar Rodney, said yes,” Coons said. “Said yes through the storm, said yes through the cancer, said yes through the distance, said yes to liberty.
“That all of us might hold fast that spirit, that flame, that determination, let us raise our glasses and say for liberty and justice for all. Huzzah!”