2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105386D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 72

Offered January 21, 2026

Commending Patrick Henry's Scotchtown.

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Patrons—Fowler and Cherry; Senators: Cifers and McDougle

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WHEREAS, Patrick Henry's Scotchtown, a well-preserved Colonial-era residence in Hanover County, will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's election as the first governor of an independent Virginia in 2026; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Henry purchased Scotchtown in 1771 and resided there during the early stages of the American Revolution, when he became well known for his passionate oratory, including the famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech at St. John's Church in Richmond in 1775; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Henry remained an influential proponent of American independence and served as a delegate for Hanover County at the Fifth Virginia Convention in May 1776, when Virginia declared its independence from Britain and drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Fifth Virginia Convention elected Patrick Henry as governor of Virginia, and he was inaugurated on June 29, 1776, a few days before the Second Continental Congress declared independence for the Thirteen Colonies; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Henry continued to reside at Scotchtown after he was elected as governor, making Scotchtown the Commonwealth's first executive mansion; and

WHEREAS, one of the oldest historic sites in Hanover County, Scotchtown was acquired by Preservation Virginia in 1958 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1965; the residence has been restored to its appearance during Patrick Henry's life and has helped countless visitors gain a better understanding of life in Colonial Virginia and the history of the American Revolution; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Patrick Henry's Scotchtown for its ongoing work to preserve the history and heritage of the Commonwealth on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's election as the first post-colonial governor of Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Preservation Virginia, owner of Patrick Henry's Scotchtown, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its work to promote Virginia's role in the formation of the United States.