Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial |
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Red Hill Plantation, circa 1907
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 Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial
Location in the United States
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| Location | Charlotte County, Virginia, United States |
| Nearest city | Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Area | 117 acres (0.47 km2) |
| Established | May 13, 1986 |
| Governing body | Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation |
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Red Hill
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| Nearest city | Brookneal, Virginia |
| Area | 117.3 acres (47.5 ha) |
| Architect | Johnson, Stanhope |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003012 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | February 14, 1978 |
The Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial is a special place in Charlotte County, Virginia. It is near the town of Brookneal. This memorial is the last home and burial site of Patrick Henry. He was a very important speaker and leader during the American Revolution.
Patrick Henry bought Red Hill Plantation in 1794 when he retired. He lived there until he passed away in 1799. The property was a large tobacco farm. It had a main house, Henry's law office, and other buildings. It was located by the Staunton River, which was important for travel and trade.
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Who Was Patrick Henry?
Patrick Henry was a famous American lawyer and politician. He is best known for his powerful speeches. He strongly supported American independence from Great Britain. His most famous quote is "Give me liberty, or give me death!" He played a key role in the fight for freedom.
The History of Red Hill
Early Plans for a Memorial
The United States Congress first thought about making Red Hill a national monument in 1935. The idea was to buy the land and protect it. However, this purchase never happened. The plan was officially canceled in 1944.
The Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation
Even though the government didn't buy it, Red Hill was saved. The Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation was started in 1944. This group took over the site. In the 1950s and 1960s, they worked hard to restore the property. They fixed up Patrick Henry's law office. They also made sure his grave was protected.
The foundation also rebuilt Patrick Henry's last home. They reconstructed several other buildings on the property. A new museum was built too. This museum helps visitors learn about Patrick Henry's life. It teaches about his important role in American history.
Becoming a National Memorial
Red Hill Plantation was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This list recognizes important historical sites. Then, in 1986, the U.S. Congress officially made it a national memorial.
Today, the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation still owns Red Hill. They run it as a house museum. It is also connected to the National Park Service. This means the Foundation can ask the National Park Service for help. They work together to preserve and share the history of Red Hill.
Exploring Red Hill Today
When you visit Red Hill, you can see many things. You can walk through the reconstructed home of Patrick Henry. You can also visit his law office. This is where he worked and wrote. The museum offers exhibits about his life.
Future Improvements
There are plans to make Red Hill even better for visitors. One project involves adding new walking trails. These trails will help people understand how goods were moved in the 1700s. They will show how boats called "bateaux" used the river for trade. The trails will also show old plantation roads. These roads led to places like the distillery and the laundry. They will also lead to the graveyard for enslaved African Americans.
Gallery
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Patrick Henry
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Last law office of Patrick Henry, Red Hill Plantation
Images for kids
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Red Hill main house, c. 1907
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Red Hill Visitor Center
