“Give me liberty or give me death!” the famous words of Patrick Henry rang through St. John’s Episcopal Church in 1775. Virginia has designated a “Road to Revolution” consisting of 10 sites that played a key role in shaping Patrick Henry and his ideals. Naturally, St. John’s Church is one of the ten, right here in Richmond. During the summer months, his electric speech is re-enacted on Sunday afternoons to bring the man and his values to life as well as his critical role in the Revolutionary War and his position as Virginia’s first governor. Plan a trip through Virginia and visit each of the ten sites: Richmond’s St. John’s Church, Scotchtown (Patrick Henry’s home from 1771 to 1778), Hanover Tavern (where Henry studied for his law license), Hanover Courthouse (where he began his public career), Polegreen Church (where Patrick Henry worshiped and was inspired by its orator), Rural Plains (site of Henry’s wedding to Sarah in 1754), Pine Slash (honeymoon cottage, part of Henry’s wife’s dowry), Studley (his birthplace), Red Hill Plantation & Patrick Henry National Memorial (his last home and grave site), and finally Hampden-Sydney College (where Henry and James Madison served as original trustees of the college in 1775.)
The trail provides a path to educate and to inform about how our nation began, where our independence gathered steam, and, perhaps a glimpse into our nation’s future. Markers along the trail entice visitors to learn more about Patrick Henry and his achievements, exploring the life and times of one of America’s most influential patriots, and linking historical sites that played a critical role in the birth of the American Revolution. Plan your trip with details available from Virginia Tourism. The locations in Hanover County and in Richmond are easily reachable from Richmond’s bed and breakfast, centrally located in Richmond’s historic Fan District – a turn-of-the-century urban residential neighborhood peppered with dining and shopping options, museums and other attractions. Richmond’s historic Fan District is the place to be when visiting the heritage and culture of central Virginia. Make a reservation at Richmond’s finest inn now.
Tags: Lodging, Patrick Henry, Richmond Bed and Breakfast, Road to Revolution Heritage Trail, St. John's Church
