Why I purchased Patrick Henry's Virginia by Mark Couvillon.

If you've read my post describing my drive to Scotchtown, you know I grabbed this book on the recommendation of Colonial Williamsburg's (CW's) Patrick Henry, Richard Schumann.

I'm going to admit this to y'all: I don't own a lot of books. I read A TON, but I'm pretty minimalistic so most are downloaded or borrowed from our fantastic local library. But this is one I had to have on hand. Read on and you'll see why purchasing Patrick Henry's Virginia was a must for me as both a blogger and simply: a history lover. To me, this book is a captivating adventure (thus, the title!).

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.

My copy of Patrick Henry's Virginia.

Masterfully Crafted: The Impressive Structure of Mr. Couvillon's Book.

Places important to Patrick Henry's life.

The book is divided into sections; each section dedicated to one site and often including a sketch or, in some cases, official drawings to give you a solid understanding of the building or buildings.

From his birth in Studley to his death at Red Hill, Mark Couvillon has included the many homes of Patrick Henry as well as government buildings, Hanover Tavern owned by his father-in-law, and churches (religion is ever-present in Henry's life).

Mr. Couvillon, who worked at CW for years and has been fascinated with Henry since childhood, shares details of Henry's connection to each site. But more than that, he offers a history of the site itself, beyond Patrick Henry.

Citations and directions included!

Extensive research, from libraries to courthouses and beyond, led Mark Couvillon to provide extensive notes and citations. His hard work offers us, as readers and history lovers, the opportunity to dig deeper and have a head start.

And of course, my favorite bit: he includes directions to each site! This is pure gold since so many of the original buildings no longer exist or are privately owned. Mr. Couvillon makes it easy to find the exact spot you need to get to in order truly feel like your an active participant in Patrick Henry's Virginia.

Street-facing entrance to Hanover Courthouse

The impact.

How the book will impact my research, love of history, and this blog.

I used color-coding to organize the sites listed in the book.

I'm a huge fan of color-coding. So I have these little flags I used to signify sites listed in the book as still-standing, both open to the public or private, and those denoted by an historical marker because they may not exist any longer.

Of course, I've taken it further and started creating regional lists so I can visit them in "bunches" - Richmond area, Hanover County, and areas further west, which for me would include a plan to stay overnight. (because I love workcations like the one I did in Essex County!)

I've marked the pages!

Yes, I know - it seems crazy to write in a book but I won't apologize. I've underlined a passage or drawn an arrow here and there. Bits like the line on page 77 how Salisbury, his family's home during his fourth term as Governor, suggests a Huguenot design influence as it's not common for 18th century English Virginia.

Or mention of those buried at St. John's Church in Richmond, where Henry gave his famous "liberty or death" speech. The list on page 105 includes Edgar Allen Poe's mother Elizabeth, John Page, who later served as a Governor of Virginia and George Wythe, mentor and teacher to Thomas Jefferson and John Marshall.

All of this means I'm being inspired not only to learn more about Patrick Henry, who was a major player in American independence, but to dig deeper into early American architecture, burial sites, and relationships that impacted the growth of our United States.

And of course, the daily life of the humans that lived history.

George Wythe grave, 2021.

A recommendation and a request.

Recommendation: get the book. (click here) Even if you won't be visiting Virginia. If you want to learn history in terms of early American architecture, American independence, or Patrick Henry himself, this book's for you. And if you do visit, make sure to add some of Patrick Henry's Virginia to your itinerary.

Request: share your finds. Let me know of any similar books that help you find history both familiar and hidden. I'd love to share them with anyone searching for history and finding themselves here on this blog. Use the comments section below or subscribe to the blog and connect with me on email!

Closing Words from history.

I believe I've found the letter on our Founders Archives website where President Washington asks Patrick Henry to come out of retirement and run for the House in Virginia. For the full letter with citations and notes, click here.

From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 15 January 1799

.....

(letter continues)

.....

Your weight of character and influence in the Ho. of Representatives would be a bulwark against such dangerous Sentiments as are delivered there at present. It would be a rallying point for the timid, and an attraction of the wavering. In a word, I conceive it to be of immense importance at this Crisis that you should be there; and I would fain hope that all minor considerations will be made to yield to the measure.

If I have erroneously supposed that your sentiments on these subjects are in unison with mine; or if I have assumed a liberty which the occasion does not warrant, I must conclude as I began, with praying that my motives may be received as an apology; and that my fear, that the tranquillity of the Union, and of this State in particular, is hastening to an awful crisis, have extorted them from me.2

With great, and very sincere regard and respect, I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington

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 credided! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.

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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.