No one visits Red Hill  by accident; greater numbers should visit by design.  This is the last home and burial place of Patrick Henry, the "voice of the Revolution."  Henry argued against the ratification of a United States Constitution containing no Bill of Rights. Some attribute his lack of prominence to his Revolutionary role of speaker, not scribe.  He left few papers or letters behind.  This neglect lends irony to his gravestone inscription, "His Fame His Best Epitaph," since Henry's fame has diminished. Although school children recognize his famous quote, "Give me liberty, or give me death," they know nothing about the man.

This is quite an eclipse for a man once heralded as the "first national hero," the "idol of the country," and "the noble patriot." A visit to Patrick Henry's last home, Red Hill, near Brookneal, introduces you to this fascinating Founding Father.  Patrick Henry was the first elected governor of Virginia, which declared independence from England on June 29, 1776.  He served five one-year terms in all and was so popular among Virginians that he could have served more.  In 1794 he retired from a lucrative law practice at age 57 and moved to Red Hill.  This was the favorite of the four Virginia plantations he owned at the time of his death.  He called it "one of the garden spots of Virginia," no doubt because of its sweeping view of the Staunton River Valley, which remains little changed today. 

Today's visitor is greeted at the visitors center where a 15-minute video on Patrick Henry and Red Hill is shown.  The center's museum room houses the largest existing collection of Henry artifacts and memorabilia.  Perhaps the most famous of these is Peter Rothermel's painting "Patrick Henry before the Virginia House of Burgesses."  This impressive canvas, measuring 8 ft. by 7 ft., depicts Henry's Stamp Act speech during which he defied fellow members of the colonial legislature who criticized his opposition to taxation without representation by declaring, "If this be treason make the most of it."

You'll explore the Red Hill buildings and grounds  with the help of a self-guided walking tour brochure.  The house, a reconstruction of the original which burned in 1919,  has three downstairs rooms---the master bedroom, children's bedroom and family room.  The last two of the Henry's 17 children were born in the master bedroom.  Several pieces of furniture throughout the house are Henry originals.

The Henry family relaxed and entertained in the parlor.  Two of their daughters were married there.  It was in this room that Patrick Henry died on June 6, 1799.  A Chippendale corner chair is identical to the one he was resting in when he died.

Leaving the house, the visitor can explore its dependencies, which include a kitchen, privy, smokehouse, servants' quarters, carriage house and stables.  Although Henry had finished riding the circuit of county courthouses by the time he retired to Red Hill.  He did continue to practice law in the office building you'll see on the estate.  Henry also taught law here to several of his sons and grandsons.

In the Henry house's front yard stands the national champion Osage orange tree, certified as such by  the National Forestry Association.  This multi-trunked giant with its gnarled roots and striated bark rises to a height of 60 feet and has a crown spread of 85 feet.  It is an impressive sight.

You can take the garden walk to the family graveyard.  It contains the graves of Patrick Henry, his wife Dorothea, and several members of his family, including his youngest son John in whose family Red Hill remained until it was purchased by the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation in 1944.  In 1986 it became a national memorial, although it is still operated and maintained by the foundation.

Red Hill is open daily 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. except from November through February when it closes at 4:00 P.M.  It is closed on Thanksgiving,  Christmas and New Year's Day.  Admission is charged.