Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Patrick Henry's Famous Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Speech

March 23, 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of one of the most-remembered speeches in American history.

I use the word "remembered" with intention. It's not known that there currently exists a copy of Patrick Henry's speech we often reference as the 'Liberty or Death' speech. In fact, about 40 years after the 1775 event, a biographer named William Wirt pieced it together to document it for future generations.

How? By contacting Patrick Henry's contemporaries of course! People who were at the historic St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia to experience the passionate oratory by the man himself.

I've heard it often mentioned that St. George Tucker played a vital role in this effort. But I learned in Henry historian Mark Couvillon's book The Demosthenes of His Age, President John Tyler's father also brought Henry's words to life.

In a year when everything 250th is being discussed in terms our American history, I wasn't about to let this bit slide. In fact, it's a perfect time to give Mr. Henry the spotlight. Not only to share ways to dive deeper into his life and work, but also share his words.

Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

RELATED: Click here for Couvillon's book which shares more accounts of Patrick Henry from his contemporaries as well as discusses William Wirt's efforts.

RELATED: Click here for information about VA 250, the initiative to commemorate our nation's anniversary. (you can find an events calendar on the site!)

Copy of Demosthenes of His Age, courtesy of Richard Schumann

Learn more about Patrick Henry.

I truly wish we had THE primary source: a beautifully preserved document in Patrick Henry's hand. But with that missing, I am grateful to both Mr. Tucker and Mr. Tyler for taking the time to respond to Mr. Wirt.

Learn about Patrick Henry in person.

If you have the ability to visit Virginia, here are three places I recommend. (Especially if you want to immerse yourself into his life during the revolutionary era.)

1) Scotchtown: Patrick Henry's home from 1771-78, pivotal years in both his life and in American history. When we read about history, it's not always easy to see the full picture. Being in the place he lived and understanding the context of Henry's activities, as well as his family situation, brings so much more to light.

Click here to check out my Scotchtown post, updated for 2025.

Scotchtown entrance, March 2025

2) Colonial Williamsburg: where we have been blessed to have Richard Schumann interpreting Patrick Henry in first person as Governor Henry... and now have Natl Lasley on board as a younger version, the Colonel. Both have been with Colonial Williamsburg for many years! When visiting, you can see performances like this one, and quite possibly, catch one of them wandering the streets and available for a chat.

Nat Lasley portraying Patrick Henry

3) St. John's Church: where the 'Liberty or Death' speech took place. Click here for the website- where you can view re-enactments and events related to Patrick Henry.

RELATED: Mark Couvillon's book: Patrick Henry's Virginia is available at Scotchtown- which I wrote about on this blog in detail.

St. John's Church photo credit to documentarian Lauren Z. Ray.

RELATED: I have to say a few words about Lauren Z. Ray, who I'm crediting for both the above photo and the cover photo. If love history, and want shortcuts and tips for finding it in Virginia, follow her here on YouTube and here on Instagram.

Learn about Patrick Henry online.

Before I close out this post, I want to drop a few posts on this blog for readers interested in Patrick Henry specifically (some previously mentioned in this post, some not). Simply click the link and it'll open in a new tab!

• The Scotchtown post: updated after I re-visited when Preservation invited me to view their what they've been working on at the site.
• A book review on Mark Couvillon's research about Sarah Shelton Henry, Patrick's first wife. Sarah suffered greatly during the revolutionary era; her story is vital to knowing Patrick.
• A book review of Mark Couvillon's book: Patrick Henry's Virginia. Mr. Schumann recommended I buy a copy and keep it in my car- I did and I do! It's given me insight into Mr. Henry but also led me to explore sites using my "Explore Here" app- talk about truly immersing yourself in history.
• June 29, 1776: the day in history Patrick Henry was chosen to be Virginia's first non-Royal governor!
• Echoes of Freedom: Patrick Henry's advice I take seriously as we navigate America's future.
• Getting a look at Patrick Henry's Resolves in Special Collections at Colonial Williamsburg.

Closing words from history: three excerpts from Patrick Henry's 'Liberty or Death' speech.

Source: the website of Patrick Henry's Red Hill. Please click here for the full transcription.

If you prefer video, check out the re-enactment available on Red Hill's website by clicking here.

Speech by Patrick Henry to the Second Virginia Convention meeting at Henrico Parish Church (now St. John’s Episcopal Church), in Richmond, Virginia.

March 23, 1775

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before this House is one of awful moment to this country. ...

....Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. ...

....Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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!

Are you enjoying this free blog? Use my online tip jar and buy me a coffee:

There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.