This Fourth of July, my mom and I had the incredible opportunity to visit Patrick Henry’s final home, Red Hill, near Brookneal, Virginia. This trip marked the culmination of my personal Patrick Henry tour, a journey that began at his birthplace in Studley and continued through Hanover Tavern, Scotchtown, and the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg. Read more about our Patrick Henry Liberty Trails here.
During our visit to Red Hill, I discovered that Patrick Henry moved an astonishing thirteen times throughout his life. This was not only a consequence of his diverse roles as an attorney, governor, and public servant, but also a testament to his knack for real estate.
Henry himself affectionately called Red Hill one of the “Garden Spots of the World,” and I couldn’t agree more. This breathtaking region of Virginia, nestled just south of the Blue Ridge Front, boasts rolling farmland, expansive meadows, lush forests, and the winding Staunton River. Red Hill truly is one of the most tranquil places you’ll ever encounter. With over a thousand acres of meadows and hills, you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.
Red Hill offers a unique opportunity to “meet” Patrick Henry, “The Voice of the Revolution,” and delve into his last years as an attorney and farmer before his death in 1799. Visitors can explore his reconstructed home, original law office, kitchen, and outbuildings, gaining a deeper understanding of his daily life. Pay tribute to Henry and his family at the Henry Family Graveyard. Additionally, don’t miss the Quarter Place, which sheds light on the significant legacy of Red Hill’s enslaved community.
In addition to the historic structures, Red Hill has several nature trails, inviting visitors to take a moment to enjoy the peaceful natural beauty of the landscape.
In this American Nomad adventure we’ll travel through time, meeting Patrick Henry, learning about his life at Red Hill, digging into the thousands of years of history of settlement on this site from Native Americans to present day and I’ll provide some travel planning tips and recap our Fun Fourth of July adventure.
Meet Patrick Henry: The Voice of the American Revolution
Born on May 29, 1736, at Studley, a farm in Hanover County, Virginia, just outside of Richmond, Patrick Henry would ultimately become a powerful voice for liberty and revolution, helping to inspire and ignite the fire for American Independence. Patrick’s father, John Henry, originally from Scotland, had been educated at King’s College in Aberdeen before emigrating to America. Settling in Virginia, he married Sarah Winston Syme, and they established their home at Studley Plantation. While John Henry was a staunch Anglican, his wife Sarah was a Presbyterian, and young Patrick would attend services at both churches in the area.
Young Patrick attended a local school for a few years, receiving the remainder of his formal education from his father. At age fifteen, Henry began working as a clerk for a local merchant. He and his older brother, William, later attempted to open their own store, but it unfortunately failed.
Henry experienced a period of career uncertainty, struggling to find his path – a struggle many of us can relate to during parts of our own professional journeys. After marrying his first wife, Sarah Shelton, at age eighteen, the couple tried their hand at farming a 600-acre tract called Pine Slash, part of Sarah’s dowry. However, their home was destroyed by a fire in 1757, and another attempt to open a store also failed.
He then found work helping his father-in-law run the Hanover Tavern, conveniently located across the road from the county courthouse – a significant spot we’ll be visiting later in our tour. It was during this time, perhaps inspired by the legal minds he encountered at the tavern after court, that Henry decided to study law. He quickly proved himself a formidable attorney, blessed with a God-given gift as a debater.
By 1760, nearing his twenty-fourth birthday, Henry committed to becoming a lawyer. Though largely self-taught, he remarkably persuaded a panel of distinguished Virginia attorneys, including George Wythe and John Randolph, that he possessed the inherent intelligence to warrant admission to the bar. With his energy, talents, and some encouragement from his influential family, Patrick Henry quickly established a thriving practice in the courts of Hanover and adjacent counties. He made a name for himself in several landmark cases, most notably with the 1763 Parsons’ Cause. Read about it
Later, in 1774, he is believed to be the first attorney to use the insanity defense in colonial America when defending his client, Henry Bullard.
Henry’s career in politics began in 1765, when he was elected to the House of Burgesses from Louisa County. He joined the lower house of Virginia’s colonial legislature not long after news reached the colony of Parliament’s passage of the notorious Stamp Act. The Stamp Act was designed to help reduce the debt the British incurred during the French and Indian War/Seven Years War. While a tax to pay down debt makes sense in theory, the way it was designed was to unfairly target the colonies. Citizens of England were supposed to have representation for taxation; the colonies, however, had no direct representation in Parliament, and their own colonial legislatures, like the House of Burgesses, had not authorized the tax. While many members of the House of Burgesses were angered by the tax, they also maintained a profound respect for English authority and thus proceeded cautiously. Nonetheless, Henry, along with fellow burgesses John Fleming and George Johnston, led a protest against the Stamp Act in the House of Burgesses, challenging its constitutionality.
On May 30, 1765, Henry introduced five resolutions, asserting that colonists possessed the full rights and privileges of Englishmen, including the fundamental constitutional principle, recognized by British kings and people alike, that only the people themselves or their elected representatives could levy a tax upon them. The fifth resolution radically declared that only the House of Burgesses had the right to tax the inhabitants of the colony.
This sentiment culminated in his most famous speech, delivered to the Second Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia, on March 23, 1775. It was here that Henry, backed by fellow patriots Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson, proposed a series of resolutions to put the colony into a state of defense, specifically to raise a Virginia militia. Conservative members including Edmund Pendleton, Richard Bland, Robert Carter Nicholas, and Benjamin Harrison attacked Henry’s proposals as rash and provocative, fearing they would sever any hope of reconciliation with Britain. Henry, however, powerfully argued that Boston’s harbor being closed was an act of war, demonstrating that Virginia, too, was under direct threat. He vehemently rebuked the idea that Boston’s plight had nothing to do with Virginia, instead asserting that the colonies were inextricably linked, unified in their struggle for liberty. It was then that he launched into his famous speech, igniting the call for liberty that still rallies American patriotism today.
Here is an excerpt of the famous speech:
“There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable—and let it come!! I repeat it, sir, let it come!!! It is vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. 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! Our brethren are already in the field! Why do we stand here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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.” Read full speech here.
Fun Fact: During Henry’s Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Speech, he used this paper cutter for slight dramatic effect as he moved it towards his breast at the word ‘death.’ It was not an overdramatic gesture, but rather emphasized zeal and the reality of the situation. Truly they were in a fight for liberty or death if they did not fight for their rights against Great Britain’s oppression. This paper cutter is in Red Hill’s museum collection. Learn more here
After a brief stint in the Second Continental Congress from May 1775 to August 1, 1775, Patrick Henry returned home to Hanover County. He was then appointed the Governor of Virginia after Lord Dunmore was ousted in early 1776, serving two non-consecutive terms: from 1776-1779 and again from 1784-1786.
In 1777, while serving as Virginia’s first Governor after breaking from England, he married his second wife, Dorothea Dandridge. They resided in the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg throughout his term, until 1779.
As the United States moved to adopt the U.S. Constitution, Henry, despite his earlier fervent calls for colonial unity, was surprisingly against a stronger federal government. His reasoning was primarily tied to the Constitution’s initial lack of a Bill of Rights. He feared that without explicit guarantees, the new national government would wield too much power and threaten individual liberties. These essential protections were, of course, eventually enshrined in the Constitution as the first ten amendments, directly addressing the concerns raised by Henry and other Anti-Federalists.
Patrick Henry purchased Red Hill in 1794, and it quickly became a beloved home for him and his family (more on Red Hill coming soon!).
However, he reentered politics in 1799, spurred by controversies over the repressive measures Federalists in Congress had enacted against their Democratic-Republican rivals. While Henry never endorsed the Federalist’s Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, he was equally alarmed by the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of 1799 (written anonymously by Jefferson and Madison), which advocated state intervention against unconstitutional actions of the federal government. Disunion, he feared, would undo the revolution and lead to anarchy or tyranny.
In the spring of 1799, Henry supported John Marshall, a moderate Federalist who had not voted for the Alien and Sedition Acts, for reelection to Congress. Simultaneously, in response to a direct request from his old friend George Washington, Henry ran again for a seat in the state legislature. He won easily after delivering his last public speech at Charlotte Court House. Sadly, he died in his home at Red Hill of intussusception on June 6, 1799, before the legislature convened. Learn more about Patrick Henry here
Henry’s Life at Red Hill
For Patrick Henry, Red Hill allowed him a peaceful refuge to retire after his busy career in public service, from sparking the flames of patriotism in Virginia and beyond with his Give Me Liberty or Death Speech, to his work as a Governor of Virginia and advocate for a Bill of Rights in the Constitution, he could find respite at Red Hill. At Red Hill, Henry continued his law practice. He continues to be known not only for his oratory prowess but also his keen legal mind and thirst for knowledge. Henry used this time at Red Hill to mentor other aspiring attorneys including his nephew Johnny Christian and per our tour he also tutored his grandson Patrick Henry Fontaine in law.
Henry loved exploring nature and enjoyed the solitude and beauty the area provided. He loved to stroll through the grounds among the trees and in the quiet of the woods to spend time alone with his thoughts.
Faith was an important bedrock for the Henry family. According to the tour guide at Red Hill, Henry spent at least an hour in prayer and vespers each night in his law office. As a person of faith myself, this resonated with me. Henry not only leaned into his mind and reasoning ability (as demonstrated in his Give me Liberty speech), but powered that by his faith and reliance on prayer for discernment. Often it is in those quiet moments of contemplation we get the exact inspiration and wisdom we need to rise to the daily challenges we face.
Henry had seventeen children by his first and second wives, ranging in ages by the time he lived at Red Hill. Many guests were surprised that so many people lived in the main house. It is a gorgeous home and large enough, but it is hard to envision up to eleven people in the house at one time. Henry was known for his simplicity and while he may have enjoyed living at multiple properties, each one had a humble beauty in the architecture.
Sadly Henry died only a few years after moving to Red Hill. Per his grandson Patrick Henry Fontaine (reenactor guide) he developed a stomach issue that led to his death at Red Hill. He was buried nearby and the home stayed in his family for many years before becoming a museum run by the Patrick Henry National Memorial Foundation.
Digging Deeper into Red Hill’s History: native Americans to Patrick Henry
The land at Red Hill is steeped in rich history, dating long before European settlement. Archaeological evidence points to human presence here as far back as circa 8000 BCE, when early Archaic peoples inhabited the area (8000 to 6000 BCE). Later Indigenous sites, spanning the Late Woodland Period (900–1600 CE) on the fertile farmland, document the centuries-old home of the Saponi peoples and their ancestors. The sheer size of these ancient settlements even rivaled that of Patrick Henry’s later estate. Excavated artifacts, including Dan River Ware ceramic vessels, clay pipes, stone projectile points, and animal bones, offer compelling evidence of advanced hunting methods and sophisticated artistic knowledge.
A striking physical reminder of Indigenous existence stands just feet from Patrick Henry’s house: North America’s largest Osage orange tree. Although native to present-day Oklahoma, the robust North American trade network is believed to have contributed to the passing of tree cuttings to the Saponi, who may have been responsible for this magnificent tree’s introduction to the Staunton River Valley.
Local tradition also recounts the story of an Indigenous man named James, who lived in a nearby cave – believed to be the last of his generation of first peoples to do so. Interestingly, James may have fathered a woman who would later give birth to Harrison Henry, an enslaved man at Red Hill, further weaving together the complex tapestry of this land’s past.
The first European American to own what would become Red Hill was Colonel Richard Booker, an early land speculator. In 1750, Booker purchased 174 acres of the property, eventually acquiring thousands of acres along the nearby Staunton River. This extensive landholding included the future plantations of “Seven Islands” and “Red Hill.”
Upon Booker’s death in 1760, his will stipulated that the property be given to his son, Richard Marot Booker. On November 22, 1770, Richard married Elizabeth Palmer, daughter of John Palmer of Williamsburg, in Halifax County. Being under the age of 21, Richard required permission from his guardian, Thomas Yuille, to marry. By March 1772, Richard Booker’s name began appearing in Charlotte County Court records, indicating his move with his wife and infant son to his 700-acre plantation, already known as Red Hill. During this period, the home, kitchen, and overseer’s house are believed to have been constructed by Booker’s enslaved labor force.
In the fall of 1793, facing significant debt, Richard Booker began negotiations to sell Red Hill to Patrick Henry, who at the time lived about 13 miles upriver at “Long Island” in Campbell County. The deed between Henry and Booker was officially recorded in county court records on March 14, 1794. In this transaction, Henry agreed to pay Booker £1,700 for the 700-acre tract and its buildings. Following the sale of Red Hill, the Booker family, along with their enslaved workers, relocated to Shelby County, Kentucky, where Richard passed away in 1805.
Between 1794 and his death in 1799, Patrick Henry significantly expanded his holdings at Red Hill, eventually owning 2,965 acres across Campbell and Charlotte Counties. Henry also acquired the Seven Islands plantation from Booker’s brother, William, located across the river in Halifax County. Including additional tracts purchased in Rockingham County, North Carolina, Henry’s total land ownership amounted to approximately 15,670 acres by the time of his death. (source)
Planning Your Visit
I’ll dive into a recap of my Fourth of July adventure in the next portion of the blog, but let’s start with an overview of Red Hill. The museum is open most days throughout the year. You can purchase your tickets and plan your visit via their website, which provides a treasure trove of information about Patrick Henry’s life and Red Hill. I also recommend following Red Hill on Social Media, as they consistently post interesting information about Patrick Henry, America 250 events and special events at Red Hill (virtual and in person).
Today Red Hill offers guests over 1000 acres to explore, including an education center, museum, historic buildings and reconstructions, Henry family cemetery, Quarter Path enslaved community cemetery and nature trails.
I recommend starting your tour at the museum, where you can watch a video about the life of Patrick Henry and Red Hill, including about the enslaved community’s importance at Red Hill. It is an excellent introduction to the orator of the Revolution.
I was super excited to see the famous portrait of Henry addressing the House of Burgesses in 1765 during his proposal against the Stamp Act. Red Hill is home to over 3,000 artifacts from over 500 years of Red Hill’s history. This includes the famous paper cutter Patrick Henry used during his Give Me Liberty or Death Speech.
The house and grounds at Red Hill encompass several important buildings, including the meticulously reconstructed main house. The original Red Hill manor tragically burned to the ground in 1919. While a great loss, the existence of period photographs and architectural blueprints proved invaluable, allowing for the faithful reconstruction of the home as Patrick Henry would have experienced it during his lifetime.
Visitors can also explore the detached kitchen, where meals would have been prepared and cooked during Henry’s era. Many 18th and even 19th-century homes featured detached kitchens for practical reasons: first, to mitigate the significant risk of fire, ensuring that any kitchen blaze could be contained without destroying the main residence; and second, to manage the intense heat generated by cooking fires, providing better ventilation and a more comfortable environment in the warmer summer months.
Another moving structure on site is Harrison’s cabin. Reconstructed with 25% of the original cabin logs in the 1960s, this cabin would have been built as slave quarters. It was later given to Harrison Henry, by Patrick Henry’s grandson following emancipation in 1865. Harrison lived here with his wife Milly for over three decades until his death in 1906. He is believed to be buried in the Quarter Place Cemetery.
Slavery was a harsh reality during the era of Red Hill, a truth that Patrick Henry himself grappled with. The museum and property do an excellent job of honoring the enslaved community, each individual with their unique personalities and humanity, through thoughtful exhibits and curation.
A must-see at Red Hill is a walk to the nearby Quarter Place, the burial site of 147 enslaved individuals. Today, visitors can pause here to offer a prayer in their memory and learn about their invaluable contributions to Red Hill and the landscape of this part of Virginia, contributions that continue to live on through their descendants.
Gardens and Ancient Trees:
Patrick Henry himself viewed Red Hill as one of the “garden spots of the world,” and in his era, the property was indeed filled with extensive farmlands and multiple gardens. Today, visitors can still stroll through a meticulously maintained herb garden, reminiscent of those that would have been vital for medicinal and other resources during Henry’s time.
It’s easy to imagine his wife, Dorothea, directing the planting of vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, and cauliflower for use in their kitchen. Patrick Henry was particularly fond of rhubarb, which he claimed helped clear his throat before a speech. (As a singer myself, I might just have to give rhubarb a try!)
Perhaps the unexpected highlight of Red Hill is its towering trees, including the National Champion Osage orange tree, which stands at an imposing 60 feet in height, is nearly 350 years old and is currently the largest species in North America. The Osage tree is native to Oklahoma but was planted by Native Americans at Red Hill as a reflection of their extensive trade networks.
Another Champion Tree at Redi Hill is the Blackhaw tree with a circumference of 90 inches and height of 30 feet. Blackhaw trees are sometimes called ‘strawberry trees’ because their dark blue-black fruits resemble tiny strawberries when they first form. The berries are edible and used in jams and jellies and resemble the taste of dates when fully ripe.
Fourth of July Fun: Our Adventure
Each year, Red Hill goes all out with its Fourth of July celebration. This year, Red Hill was open for tours of the historic property, while also hosting a patriotic party with an amazing regional band, The Brown Brothers. Patrick Henry was known for his skill as a fiddler and I’m sure he would have enjoyed the upbeat mix of music from this talented group. Multiple food vendors were on site selling hot dogs and BBQ to thirst quenching lemonades. We particularly enjoyed our drinks from local coffee and tea experts Dungeon Brew. The temperature was in the high 80s by four thirty p.m., when we arrived.
Inside the main house, a fantastic reenactor brought to life the story of Patrick Henry’s grandson, Patrick Henry Fontaine. Mr. Fontaine shared stories about his grandfather at Red Hill, including his untimely death from an intestinal disorder in 1799. He mentioned that at the time mercury was used as the cure. It is hard to fathom in today’s world, but in the late 18th century mercury was a common medicine to treat various illnesses. We now know of its toxicity.
In the law office, an expert historian shared about Henry’s routine at Red Hill. She mentioned Henry loved to go camping and hunting for several days and would then return to his books. Henry had over 200 books! A huge amount in his day (and ours). Because of the hot, humid Virginia weather, his books would swell, so he would use a book press to ensure the books were readable. You can see this unique artifact in his law office. The guide told us that when Red Hill’s main home burned down in 1919, Henry’s granddaughter Lucy moved into the law office and made it her home.
Other Fourth of July highlights included:
On site excavation by archaeology team: Red Hill has thousands of years of human and geologic history worth exploring. An on site dig team was on site doing excavations. It was neat to watch these experts in action. Learn more about Red Hill’s Archaeology Program here.
Tombstone Dedication Ceremony by the Sons of the American Revolution with honorary musket fire to pay homage to the Henry family buried on site and dedication of new gravestones. This was very moving.
Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Reenactment:
Patrick Henry’s grandson, Patrick Henry Jolly, truly ignited the crowd with a fire for liberty during a reenactment of Henry’s iconic “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. Hearing those powerful words spoken aloud sent chills down my spine.
We learned about the profound importance of this revolutionary speech during our visit to St. John’s Church in Richmond. It was at this very church, on March 23, 1775, that Patrick Henry stirred the Second Virginia Convention with his passionate call to action. While originally tied to the oppression of English rule prior to the American Revolution, the speech undoubtedly continues to inspire us today, reminding us to ensure liberty for all. Read about our visit to St. John’s Church in an earlier post here.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Many Fourth of July celebrations historically included a public reading of The Declaration of Independence, a tradition that is thankfully being revitalized. As Patrick Henry Jolly began his powerful oration with, “We hold these truths to be self-evident…”, the crowd was on the edge of their seats. Especially in the times in which we live, it is crucial to reflect on the words of this foundational document and challenge ourselves to act as better citizens, becoming conduits for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness today.
For me personally, hearing the Declaration spoken aloud is particularly moving, as I am a descendant of several of its signers, including Thomas Heyward Jr. of South Carolina. Heyward’s unwavering patriotism led to his imprisonment after the British captured Charleston in 1780, where he famously sang patriotic songs mocking King George from his cell. Patrick Henry Jolly’s oratorical abilities, no doubt inherited from his famous ancestor, brought the Declaration’s powerful message to life.
Fireworks Spectacular at Red Hill:
As dusk took hold of Red Hill, a fiery sunset emerged that reminded me of an Impressionist painting. Red Hill’s natural beauty with wide meadows, cradling by ambling hills is the ideal spot for sunsets and starlight. As the sun made its final bow, and darkness took hold, the sound of crackle and boom erupted as nearly thirty minutes of dazzling fireworks blasted into the sky.
While I’ve attended larger fireworks shows in Nashville and other cities, to me the fireworks at Red Hill have become one of my favorite memories. I can’t imagine a more serene spot for a fireworks display. We were able to get a front row view from our place right outside the visitor center porch. Volunteers provided fresh lemonade and cookies to accompany the fireworks. It was the perfect send off to America’s birthday celebration.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of The Birth of United States (July 4th 2026), I strongly recommend that you make the trip to Virginia to follow the Patrick Henry trail and visit Red Hill. Official Red Hill Website
Check out our Blog on the Patrick Henry Trail here
Where to Stay:
We ended up staying forty minutes north in Lynchburg VA at the TRU Hilton (thank God for points) as we planned to visit Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and Appomattox the next day (stay tuned for those adventures in our next blog posts).
However I found out that there are several wonderful bed and breakfasts not far from Red Hill, which I hope to check into next time around. Here are those recommended by Red Hill on their website:
Harper’s Mill Bed and Breakfast – Relax at this historic farmstead B&B where you can tune into the natural beauty of the area around you and receive top hospitality.
Scott School Antiques and Tea: Go back to school in style at this historic schoolhouse inn not far from Red Hill.
Appomattox Inn and Suites: We drove by this charming inn while exploring the Appomattox region. It looks like the perfect spot for Red Hill and Appomattox adventures.
Berry Hill Resort: Check into refined elegance and relaxation at this lovely resort housed in a beautifully restored antebellum mansion.
Babcock House Inn: Located in the heart of Appomattox, this is a spot where you can check into history from Patrick Henry’s Revolutionary Voice to the end of The Civil War (Northern surrender by Lee to Grant) at Appomattox.
Interesting sites near Red Hill…
We’ll be visiting Lynchburg, Poplar Forest and Appomattox in upcoming posts…I also recommend taking time to explore the communities of Halifax VA and South Boston VA (not far from Red Hill). Both are steeped in Revolutionary War History, including Nathaniel Greene’s Flight to the Dan after the Battle of Cowpens in 1781. This push helped keep the Continental Army away from Cornwallis long enough to refuel before meeting him at Guilford Courthouse (stay tuned as we’re visiting this battlefield soon as well), which helped force Cornwallis eventually to Yorktown Learn more here.
I can’t wait to return to this region and dive deeper into the history.
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Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This is where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. You can find my new album here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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What a good history lesson! I can’t believe how good the pictures on the wall are.