Scotchtown (plantation) facts for kids
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Patrick Henry's Scotchtown
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Scotchtown Plantation
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 10 mi. NW of Ashland on VA 685, Ashland, Virginia |
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| Area | 41 acres (170,000 m2) |
| Built | after 1717, expanded ca. 1760s |
| Architectural style | Georgian/first period colonial |
| Website | preservationvirginia.org/historic-sites/patrick-henrys-scotchtown |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000835 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 21, 1965 |
Scotchtown is a historic plantation located in Hanover County, Virginia. From 1771 to 1778, it was the home of Patrick Henry, an important Founding Father of the United States. He lived there with his wife, Sarah, and their children.
Patrick Henry was a key leader during the American Revolution. He later became the first Governor of Virginia in 1776. Scotchtown is located near Beaverdam, Virginia, about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Ashland, Virginia. The house is quite large for its time, measuring 93 feet (28 m) by 35 feet (11 m). It has eight main rooms on the first floor, a full attic, and a basement with windows. In 1965, Scotchtown was recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Today, Scotchtown is owned and cared for by Preservation Virginia. This organization looks after many historic places in Virginia. Other sites they manage include the John Marshall House and Historic Jamestowne.
Contents
History of Scotchtown
Early Owners and Building
The land where Scotchtown stands was first given as a grant in 1717. It was given to Charles Chiswell, a well-known planter and owner of iron mines. Chiswell built a smaller house on the property, likely in the 1720s. The house was made larger around 1760, reaching its current size.
The name "Scotch Town" first appeared in a legal document in 1757. At that time, the house was also used as a store. It was a place where local tobacco was bought and sold.
Patrick Henry's Home
Patrick Henry bought Scotchtown in 1771. He lived there with his wife, Sarah Shelton Henry, and their six children. This period was very important for Henry's career. It was his home when he gave his famous "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!" speech. This speech took place at St. John's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia.
Scotchtown was also his home when he was elected Governor of Virginia in 1776. Sadly, his wife Sarah passed away at Scotchtown in 1775. Patrick Henry lived at Scotchtown until 1777. The next year, he married his second wife. After being elected governor, they moved to the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg in 1778.
Later Owners and Uses
After Patrick Henry moved, the Wilson Miles Cary family bought the house. They lived there briefly. In 1794, an advertisement in a Richmond newspaper announced that "Scotch-Town Grammar School" would operate there.
Beginning in 1801, John M. Sheppard-Taylor owned the property. His family made some changes to the house over many years. The house was later left to his daughters, Lavinia and Sally Taylor. After Sally Taylor passed away, the house was left empty for a time. In 1958, a judge ordered the house to be sold at an auction. Preservation Virginia bought Scotchtown for $37,000.
For a long time, people thought Scotchtown was the childhood home of Dolley Madison. She was the wife of President James Madison. However, there is not much proof for this idea. Dolley Madison's memories might have been from visits to the house when she was a child.
Preserving Scotchtown
Since Preservation Virginia bought Scotchtown in 1958, a lot of work has been done. Many archaeological digs have taken place over the years. These digs help experts learn more about the past.
Several projects have helped restore the house to how it looked in the late 1700s. This includes rebuilding other buildings on the property. For example, the icehouse, kitchen, and law office have been rebuilt.
Scotchtown was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It is special because it is an unusual 18th-century building connected to a Founding Father. In 1993, Scotchtown received a grant to improve its programs and care for its collections. Today, Scotchtown is open for visitors during certain seasons or by appointment.
See also
