Worth a Visit: Washington’s Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial

1250 Red Hill Rd., Brookneal, Virginia

After many years of public life as one of the Founding Fathers of our country and a five-term governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry bought Red Hill Plantation in 1794 and retired there to continue his practice of law. He died five years later and was buried in a small cemetery on the grounds beside his second wife, Dorothy.

The plantation is now restored and includes a complex of several buildings, featuring the main house, a 11/2-story structure rebuilt on its old foundations; the kitchen; the carriage house; and the office where Patrick Henry practiced law.

Dominating the entire scene is an Osage orange tree. With an 85-foot spread and a height of 60 feet, it is said to be the largest and oldest Osage orange in the country. The American Forestry Hall of Fame lists it as both the Virginia champion and national champion of its kind.

At the visitors center a collection of Patrick Henry memorabilia is displayed including his flute, cuff links, salt dishes, an ivory letter opener, wineglasses, his house keys, his law office desk, his telescope, and several letters written in his hand. A guide to a walking trail is available at the visitors center.

Open daily except Mon. in winter and major winter holidays. Admission charged.

www.redhill.org

(800) 514-7463

Originally Published in Reader's Digest