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Patrick Henry

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Patrick Henry was a famous leader from the early days of the United States.

Patrick Henry Rothermel
Patrick Henry Rothermel

He was born on May 29, 1736, at a farm called Studley in Virginia. His father, John Henry, had moved to Virginia from Scotland many years before. Henry did not go to a large university to learn. Instead, he studied law at home by himself. He even tried to run a store with his brother, but it did not work well. He later worked at the Hanover Tavern to help his family.

Shelton House - Shenk
Shelton House - Shenk

Henry became a very successful lawyer because he was great at speaking.

Parson's Cause by Cooke
Parson's Cause by Cooke

In 1760, he passed his legal exams in Williamsburg. One of his most famous moments happened during a case called the Parson's Cause. In 1763, he gave a long speech about a law regarding tobacco money. He argued that the king was acting like a tyrant by overturning local laws. This speech made him a hero to many regular people. He gained many new clients right after that big victory.

Patrick Henry speaking before the Virginia Assembly
Patrick Henry speaking before the Virginia Assembly

As the years passed, Henry became more involved in politics. He was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1765. During this time, the British government tried to pass the Stamp Act. This was a way for Britain to collect more money from the colonies. Henry used his powerful voice to speak against these unfair rules. He also helped write a petition to the King in 1774. He was a very important member of the First Continental Congress.

Patrick Henry broadside
Patrick Henry broadside

Henry is most famous for his words about freedom.

Credo Liberty or Death
Credo Liberty or Death

In 1775, he gave a speech where he said, "Give me liberty or give me death!" This helped many people decide to fight for independence. Because of his hard work, he was elected as the governor of Virginia. He served as governor during two different times. He held the office for a total of five one-year terms. He helped write the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the state constitution.

Even though he was a leader for freedom, Henry had complicated views. He was a slaveholder during his whole adult life. He hoped that the system of slavery would end one day. However, he did not have a specific plan to make that happen. Later in life, he worried that the new national government would be too strong. Because of this, he did not join the meeting to write the U.S. Constitution in 1787. He spent his final years practicing law and living in Virginia.

Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial - his fame his best epitaph
Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial - his fame his best epitaph
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🖼️ Images & Media (13)
File:Shelton House - Shenk.jpg
Shelton House - Shenk.jpg
File:Parson's Cause by Cooke.jpg
Parson's Cause by Cooke.jpg
File:Patrick Henry Rothermel.jpg
Patrick Henry Rothermel.jpg
File:Washington Pendleton Henry cropped.jpg
Washington Pendleton Henry cropped.jpg
Patrick Henry speaking before the...
File:His Master's Voice (small).png
His Master's Voice (small).png
File:Patrick Henry broadside.jpg
Patrick Henry broadside.jpg
File:Patrick Henry estate marker Henry County Virginia 1922.JPG
Patrick Henry estate marker Henry County...
File:Agreement signed Patrick Henry, May 3, 1784.jpg
Agreement signed Patrick Henry, May 3, 1784.jpg
File:Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial - his fame his best epitaph.jpg
Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial...
File:Red Hill Charlotte County Virginia 1907.jpg
Red Hill Charlotte County Virginia 1907.jpg
File:Patrick Henry .1955-$1.jpg
Patrick Henry .1955-$1.jpg

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