Voice of Freedom
 

If this were a history test and the question was, “What did Patrick Henry do?” his famous “liberty or death” speech at Richmond’s St. John’s Church is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Then what?

You will be better able to answer that question after a visit to 10 sites along the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail, which aims to “highlight and celebrate Henry’s leading role in liberating Virginia,” according to the 2006 General Assembly legislation that established the trail.

For instance, did you know that he had already gained a reputation as an orator when he won the Parson’s case in which he criticized the King of England and put Virginia in the forefront of colonial resistance to Parliament?

Or that he was Virginia’s first governor, taking office just two days after the signing of the Declaration of Independence? Or that he served the allowed three consecutive terms? And then came back for another term in 1786?

Although he never attended college, Henry helped create Hampden-Sydney College and six of his sons studied there. His formal schooling ended when he was 15, although his father continued to help him with studies.

With his brother, he worked as a country store apprentice. His father financed him in his own store when he was 17, until it failed when he over-extended credit.

His father-in-law owned a tavern at Hanover Court House and Henry took over its management. This included tending bar, which may have given him some insight when working with people. He learned to play the violin and began to study to be a lawyer.
At the time in Virginia, you could enter the profession if three examiners agreed to give approval of your competence. Henry went to perhaps the best-known lawyer of the day, George Wythe, who found him lacking in knowledge of the law and refused to give approval.

Not to be discouraged, Henry went to Robert Carter Nicholas, another well-known lawyer, to plead his case. Nicholas, impressed with Henry’s presentation, agreed to sign the license on the promise that Henry would do his homework and really learn some law.
With the approval of two other examiners, John and Peyton Randolph, Patrick Henry was able to hang out his shingle at the Hanover Tavern and begin his practice of law.
The Road to Revolution trail marks Henry’s lifetime of accomplishments: a story that includes his efforts to bring about religious freedom and the creation of a Bill of Rights to supplement the new Constitution.

For more information and details, contact the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, 401 N. 3rd St., Richmond, VA, 23219; (800) 378-9004; www.roadtorevolution.com.

Ray Schreiner is a volunteer at the Valentine Richmond History Center and the Virginia Historical Society, and is an avid reader of old newspapers.