Patrick Henry

Q: Who was Patrick Henry?

Patrick Henry was a Virginian lawyer and politician, who played a vital role in the American Revolution. He is best known for his Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death speech, and served as the first and sixth governor of Virginia.

Q: How many slaves did Patrick Henry own?

Patrick Henry first became a slaveowner at the age of 18, when he was gifted six enslaved people as part of his wife's dowry. Since then, he owned many slaves over the course of his life, owning 67 at the time of his death in June 1799. None were freed in his will.

Q: What is Patrick Henry most famous for?

Today, Patrick Henry is most famous for saying "give me liberty or give me death" in a speech advocating for war with Britain. He also is well-known as the first governor of Virginia and as a Founding Father of the United States.

Q: Where did Patrick Henry die?

Patrick Henry died at his home of Red Hill, in Charlotte County, Virginia.

Harrison W. Mark

Definition

Patrick Henry (1736-1799) was a Virginian lawyer and politician who played a vital role in the American Revolution (c. 1765-1789). Known for his brilliant oration, including the famous Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death speech, Henry served as the first and sixth governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is considered a Founding Father of the United States.

More about: Patrick Henry

Timeline

29 May 1736 - 6 Jun 1799
Life of Patrick Henry, American politician and Founding Father.
1 Dec 1763
Patrick Henry argues the Parson's Cause in the Hanover County Courthouse, arguing that the king has no authority to interfere with Virginia's taxation laws.
31 May 1765
The Virginia House of Burgesses passes the Virginia Resolves, asserting the colonists' rights as Englishmen and denying Parliament's authority to tax them.
23 Mar 1775
Patriot Patrick Henry delivers his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech at St. John's Church in Richmond Virginia to encourage the colony to support armed insurrection against Great Britain. The speech was a success and Virginia's militia began to mobilize.