Patrick Henry (May 29, 1736 – June 6, 1799) was an American Founding Father, fiery orator, and influential political leader known for his declaration, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” He played a key role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.
Early Life
- Born: May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia
- Parents: John Henry (a Scottish immigrant and land surveyor) and Sarah Winston Syme (from a prominent Virginia family)
- Education: Largely self-taught; briefly studied law and passed the bar in 1760
Legal & Political Career
- Law Practice: Gained fame in 1763 for the Parson’s Cause case, where he challenged British interference in colonial laws.
- House of Burgesses: Elected in 1765 to the Virginia colonial legislature.
- Introduced the Virginia Stamp Act Resolutions, defying British taxation without representation.
“Give Me Liberty” Speech
- Delivered on March 23, 1775, at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia.
- Urged the Virginia Convention to arm for war against Britain.
- Famous quote:
“I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”
Revolutionary Role
- Delegate to the First Continental Congress (1774)
- Strong advocate for independence from Britain
- Helped draft the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which influenced the U.S. Bill of Rights
Governor of Virginia
- First post-colonial Governor of Virginia (served five terms: 1776–1779, 1784–1786)
- Focused on supporting the Continental Army and defending Virginia’s western frontier
Opponent of the U.S. Constitution
- Feared a strong central government would threaten individual liberties
- Opposed the ratification of the Constitution in 1787 without a Bill of Rights
- Later supported the new government once the Bill of Rights was adopted
Personal Life & Legacy
- Married twice, had 17 children
- Died on June 6, 1799, at age 63, at his plantation, Red Hill, in Virginia
- Remembered as:
- A champion of liberty
- A gifted orator
- One of the most influential voices for American independence