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.