It was here at Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown that Henry conceived his most influential revolutionary ideas. Scotchtown is the only original standing home of the Patriot and Orator of the American Revolution; Patrick Henry lived here from 1771-1778. It was at Scotchtown that he formulated the ideas of his famous “Liberty or Death” speech and it was from the house that he rode to St. John’s Church in Richmond on March 23, 1775 to deliver it.
Built around 1720 by Charles Chiswell, Scotchtown is architecturally unique, and the house is surrounded by reproduction outbuildings and gardens. Since being acquired by Preservation Virginia in 1958, the house has been restored to its appearance during Patrick Henry’s life and is open for tours seasonally.
Experience our dialogue based tour exploring Henry’s ideals of “Liberty, Human Rights and Revolution.” Also, explore the grounds, listen to a cell phone tour, enjoy a birding trail, shop in the museum store, eat lunch under our pavilion or participate in one of the site’s many hands-on classes and special events. Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown is also available for private rental. Visit our weddings section for more information about site rentals for reunions, festivals and feasts, photo shoots, TV/film shoots and of course, your special day!
Since the beginning of 2014, Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown has updated our tour, furnishings plan and tour route. With more of a focus placed on Patrick Henry’s life and legacy, visitors can expect to experience a dialogue based tour that discusses topics such as “Liberty”, “Human Rights” and “Revolution”.
Built in 1719, Scotchtown's land was originally part of a land grant to Charles Chiswell of Williamsburg. Chiswell and other Scotsman began to build a planned community in Hanover County. The house was constructed first and then began work on the support buildings including a kitchen, laundry, ice house, and black smithing shop. There were plans to build a castle, but when two of the men died of an unexplained illness, many of the other men returned to Scotland fearing a plague. The Chiswell family continued to live at Scotchtown until a reversal of fortune forced the sale of the property.
The Site has limited researchable collections and refers scholars to contact the Preservation Virginia Main Office located in Richmond, Virginia.
Groups of ten or more are charged at a rate of $5.00 per person. Group tours are available at any time by arrangements made no less than one week in advance of the visit. The minimum charge for groups on non-scheduled open days is $100.
Scotchtown has sprawling acres in both the front and the back of the building to be used (within our guidelines) however the renter wishes. There are no kitchens or restrooms available for use at Scotchtown so the renter will need to make these arrangements. For weddings, we can offer an indoor dressing space available for the bride to get ready in. There is no bathroom located in this historic home's "dressing room".
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