Liberty or Death by St. John's Church Foundation

Following the French and Indian War, England attempted to tax American colonies to fund the war debt and to pay for their future defense. The colonies protested and ardently resisted. At stake was the right to self-government and taxation with representation. In Virginia, Patrick Henry was the leading statesmen in defending the rights of the colonists against British tyranny. His impassioned and eloquent speeches against the British Parliament and the Stamp Act rattled complacent gentry, stirred others to the cause and resonated throughout the colonies. At the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775, held at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, Henry proposed a provocative resolution to arm a militia to put the colony into a state of defense. Henry predicted that "the next gale that blows form the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms." Less than three weeks later, shots were fired at Lexington and Concord and the American Revolution had begun. In the same Patrick Henry declared,"...is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." Henry's immortal words spread throughout the colonies and became a rallying cry for the revolution.
Liberty or Death is a production of Community Idea Stations in partnership with St. John's Church Foundation.
Visit Historic St. John's Church and see a "Liberty or Death" reenactment when History Comes Alive!
Since 1975, St. John’s Church Foundation has presented historical reenactments of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775 at its original location. Professional actors in 1770s attire portray nine delegates, including Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington, who engage in the debates and arguments of the Second Virginia Convention, which culminate with Patrick Henry’s immortal “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech.
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