Patrick Henry (1736-1799) – Revolutionary orator; voice of liberty.

Patrick Henry was born in 1736 in Virginia. He struggled in business and farming before becoming a lawyer, where his powerful speaking ability quickly made him famous.

Henry was one of the most stirring orators of the Revolution. In 1775 he delivered his most famous speech to the Virginia Convention, ending with the words “Give me liberty, or give me death!” The speech electrified listeners and helped push Virginia toward war with Britain.

He served as the first governor of Virginia after independence. Interestingly, Henry was suspicious of too much central power, and he opposed the Constitution at first because he worried it gave the federal government too much control. His concerns helped lead to the addition of the Bill of Rights.

Henry is remembered as the fiery voice of liberty, a reminder that the Revolution was powered by passion and conviction as much as by ideas.

Did You Know?

• His “Give me liberty” speech was reconstructed from memory decades later.
• He turned down many high offices, including Secretary of State.
• He had a large family and many descendants.

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