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Patrick Henry Historical Sites There are many wonderful Patrick Henry Historical Sites throughout Virginia. At each of the sites, Henry's life becomes real to the visitor, instead of just words on the page. St. John's Church in Richmond, VA is site that also may interest you. It is the place where the Second Virginia Convention was held in 1775. During the convention, and near the altar of the church, Henry delivered his most famous speech calling his fellow delegates to arm themselves for war withGreat Britain. The church and grounds are open for tours year-round and every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day there is a reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention, culminating in Patrick Henry's inspiring "Liberty or Death" speech. Just north of
Richmond, Virginia
is Patrick Henry's Scotchtown Plantation. It was here that Henry resided in the
turbulent years leading up to and during the Revolution. He was living here when he delivered his "Liberty
or Death" speech
and also when he was first elected as governor of the Commonwealth.Scotchtown is open for tours normally
Thursday through Sunday between April and October. However, your
The Patrick Henry National Memorial is located at Henry's last residence and burial place, Red Hill Plantation. It is just outside of Brookneal, VA, approximately 60 miles southeast of Lynchburg and 105 miles southwest of Richmond. Red Hill offers self-guided tours or guided tours, by request. The Hanover County Courthouse, built in 1735, was where Patrick
Henry made his first foray into the legal profession with the "Parson's Cause" case. During this case, he set the
precedent for his future and the future of America
by challenging decisions
made by the British government. Just across the street from the courthouse, Hanover Tavern stands as a reminder of
our past. Although it is now believed
that Patrick Henry did not live at this tavern, he did live and work in one in
the same area and the delightful tour guides at the tavern can answer questions
about his life as a young lawyer in
Hanover County. The staff at the tavern can also help you
coordinate your tours of the courthouse and tavern.
Patrick Henry grew up during America's Great Awakening - a time
when those who wanted to break away from the Church of England were fighting
for their right to do so. Henry's mother
was one of these religious dissenters and young Patrick often accompanied her
to listen to Samuel Davies' sermons at Polegreen Church, in the town
known today as
Mechanicsville, VA.
It is believed Henry learned much of his skill as a fiery orator listening to Davies' impassioned sermons. Today, the site of The Patrick Henry Legacy Program is proud to be an affiliated member and supporter of the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail - a consortium of Patrick Henry Historical Sites. |
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