When thinking about the Revolutionary War, many heroes of our history pop into mind-Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson-but few people think of Patrick Henry. In fact, he is a very important figure in our history.
Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736 in Hanover County, Virginia to John Henry, an immigrant from Scotland. He attended school for a few years before later being tutored by his father. Patrick tried his hand in business, later realizing it wasn't his forte. He married Sarah Shelton and had 6 children. Sarah's father gave the couple 6 slaves and 300 acres of land as a wedding gift! Patrick then found his calling as a lawyer.
Patrick began his career in politics in 1763 by publicly opposing the Stamp Act. He also took to the people of Virginia to form a militia to protect themselves from the hostility of citizens of other colonies with the his famous"Give me liberty or give me death" speech on March 23, 1775.
Patrick Henry served a large part in the early history of our country, though he is rarely given the credit he deserves. If it hadn't been for him, the unfair Stamp Act could have been in effect longer than it did, causing more pain to the people of our young country. I admit that I didn't know much about Patrick Henry before today, but he is definitely an interesting and important man.
A performance of Patrick Henry's famous speech in 1775.
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