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 home in Hanover County, Virginia. From 1771 to 1778, it was the home of Patrick Henry, an important Founding Father of the United States. He was a leader during the American Revolution and became the first Governor of Virginia in 1776.
The house is located near Beaverdam, Virginia, about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Ashland, Virginia. It is one of the largest 18th-century homes still standing in America. Scotchtown has eight large rooms on the first floor, a full attic, and a basement with windows. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965 because of its history.
Today, Preservation Virginia owns and manages Scotchtown. This organization also takes care of other historic places in Virginia. These include the John Marshall House and Historic Jamestowne.
Contents
Scotchtown's Past
How Scotchtown Began
The land for Scotchtown was first given to Charles Chiswell in 1717. He was a wealthy farmer and owned an iron mine. Chiswell built a small house on the property around the 1720s. The house was made much larger around 1760.
The name "Scotch Town" first appeared in a sales document in 1757. At that time, the house was also used as a store. People would buy and sell local tobacco there.
Patrick Henry's Home
Patrick Henry bought Scotchtown in 1771. He lived there with his first wife, Sarah Shelton Henry, and their six children. This was a very important time in his life. He gave his famous "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech while living here. This speech happened at St. John's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia.
He was also elected Governor of Virginia in 1776 while living at Scotchtown. Sadly, Sarah passed away at Scotchtown in 1775 after a long illness. Patrick Henry lived at Scotchtown until 1777. In 1777, he married his second wife. They moved to the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1778.
Later Owners and Uses
After Patrick Henry moved, the Wilson Miles Cary family bought the house. They lived there for a short time. In 1794, an advertisement showed that "Scotch-Town Grammar School" was operating there.
Later, John M. Sheppard-Taylor owned the property starting in 1801. His family made some changes to the house over the years. After his daughters, Lavinia and Sally Taylor, passed away, the house was left empty. In 1958, a judge ordered the house to be sold. Preservation Virginia bought Scotchtown that year.
Dolley Madison's Connection
For a long time, people thought Scotchtown was where Dolley Madison grew up. She was the wife of President James Madison. Dolley Madison was distantly related to Patrick Henry. However, there is not much proof for this idea. Her memories of the house might have been from visiting as a child.
Keeping Scotchtown Alive
Restoring a Landmark
When Preservation Virginia bought Scotchtown in 1958, they paid $37,000. Since then, a lot of archaeological work has happened. Experts have carefully dug up the grounds to learn more about the past.
Many projects have helped restore the house to look like it did in the late 1700s. They have even rebuilt other buildings that were once there. These include the icehouse, kitchen, and law office.
Visiting Scotchtown Today
Scotchtown was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It is special because it's 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, you can visit Scotchtown during certain seasons or by making an appointment. It's a great place to learn about early American history!
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