A bust of Patrick Henry is on display at the state capitol.

Patrick Henry and his family lived at Scotchtown in Hanover County while he was building his legal career until he became first elected governor of Virginia.

This structure marks the site of Polegreen Church, the first legal 'dissenter' church at a time when Virginia supported a state Episcopal church. Patrick Henry said he learned oratory here.

Patrick Henry made a name for himself arguing cases at the Hanover Courthouse, across the street from his in-laws' tavern, which now houses the Barksdale Theatre.

Re-enactors gather outside St. John's Church in Richmond, where Patrick Henry made his 'Give me liberty or give me death' speech in 1775 that sparked revolution.

A guide waits to conduct tours outside historic St. John's Church in Richmond where a re-enactment of Patrick Henry's speech is given every summer Sunday.

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A pathway leads to St. John's Episcopal Church.

On the Road to Revolution with Virginia's famed orator Patrick Henry

By Su Clauson-Wicker

Date published: 6/28/2008

For The Free Lance-Star

REVOLUTION seems like risky business at this moment in Richmond's historic St. John's Church. It is here that Patrick Henry gave his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech at the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775.

Now the rhetoric is flying as costumed actors re-enact the landmark occasion on a Sunday afternoon. I find myself coming down on the side of cautious patience, directly opposing fiery young Henry.

"War! Are you crazy? You don't have an army, arms or even a way to make money without the Brits," I want to tell him.

Thomas Jefferson is sitting on the pew beside me, arguing in his intellectual, civilized manner against the increasingly unreasonable demands of the British government. But when Henry jumps up and declares it time to put our lives on the line, I want to bail. Fine patriot I would have been.

Delegates Benjamin Harrison and Edmund Pendleton disagree with Henry in the calmer, more pained and reasoned tones of old men. Pendleton warns against the horrors of war, of loosing "a tornado of death and destruction."

But Henry prevails.

"Gentlemen may cry, 'Peace, peace'--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms!" he cries. "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

The vote is taken. The ayes prevail. But it is close. A mere five votes carry our fledgling nation into war.

I look around. If the audience in St. John's on this afternoon were to vote, the outcome might be different.

Overlooked statesman

HIT THE TRAIL! The Road to Revolution Heritage Trail officially opened in spring 2008. For more information, visit roadtorevolution.com or call the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800/370-9004.

Date published: 6/28/2008