Immerse yourself in history and uncover powerful stories of the past right here in the Richmond Region. As the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence grows closer, make your plans to explore the Virginia landmarks where the nation’s revolutionary spirit was born. From Patrick Henry’s fiery “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech at St. John’s Church to the elegant estates, colonial churches, and historic parks that shaped early America, RVA is your go-to destination for historical gems and revolutionary stories.
St. John's Church
2401 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA
Built in 1741, this colonial landmark hosted the Second Virginia Convention, where delegates debated independence in the tense days before war. It was here that Patrick Henry delivered his infamous speech, “Give me liberty or give me death!”, igniting the American Revolution. Visitors can experience the power of history firsthand through live reenactments of Henry’s famous speech held throughout the year.
Henricus Historical Park
251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, VA
Tucked into a bluff overlooking the James River in Chester, Henricus Historical Park invites you to step into early 17th-century Virginia at the site of the second successful English settlement in North America, founded in 1611. With 14 reconstructed colonial structures, costumed interpreters, and immersive events, Henricus blends outdoor adventure with education, making it ideal for families, school groups, or anyone curious about the roots of America.
Libby Hill Park
2801 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA
Perched high above the James River at 28th and E. Franklin Streets, Libby Hill Park is one of the City of Richmond’s oldest and most historic green spaces. Established in the mid-1800s as part of the city’s original park system, it’s famed for the sweeping view that inspired Richmond’s name — said to have reminded William Byrd II of the view of Richmond-upon-Thames in England. Today, Libby Hill remains a window into the city’s early story, where geography and history converge above the James.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church
8400 St. Peters Lane, New Kent, VA
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church stands as a timeless witness to Virginia’s colonial past. Built in 1703, its Jacobean design, English-bond brickwork, and preserved colonial details transport visitors straight into the early chapters of American history. Known as the “First Church of the First First Lady,” St. Peter’s is rumored to be the very place where George and Martha Washington exchanged their vows.
(Photo credit: New Kent Ordinary website)
New Kent Ordinary
12000 New Kent Highway, New Kent, VA
Step back into the Revolutionary era at the New Kent Ordinary, one of Virginia’s most storied inns built in the early 1730s and a must-see stop for history lovers. Standing on a tavern site dating from the 1690s, this historic inn welcomed none other than George Washington during the Revolutionary War and even hosted French officers assisting the American cause. Today, the beautifully preserved Ordinary offers a captivating stop along Virginia’s historic trail. While you're there, check out the newly unveiled monument that honors the legacy of James Armistead Lafayette, an unsung freedom fighter who was was born enslaved and went on to become a vital spy for the American cause, located across the street from the New Kent Ordinary.
Wilton House Museum
215 South Wilton Road, Richmond, VA
Built in 1753 for William Randolph III, Wilton House stands as a stunning example of Georgian architecture and colonial Virginia life along the James River. During the Revolutionary War, it briefly served as headquarters and hosted notable Revolutionary War figures including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Lafayette. Originally located in eastern Henrico and moved to its current location in 1933, the home offers a glimpse into the grandeur and complexity of colonial life, where wealth and revolution intersected. Visitors can explore its beautifully restored rooms and riverside grounds for guided tours, educational workshops, and themed events year-round.
Patrick Henry's Scotchtown
16120 Chiswell Lane, Beaverdam, VA
Explore Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, the only original standing home of American Revolutionary orator Patrick Henry, where he lived from 1771 to 1778 and shaped the ideas that would spark a nation. Within these walls, Henry refined his famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech and prepared for his role as Virginia’s first elected governor. Explore the restored rooms, walk the gardens and outbuildings, and feel the spirit of the revolutionary era in every beam and brick. Plus, save the date for the annual Scotchtown festival happening each spring, an immersive family friendly festival on the grounds.
Virginia State Capitol
1000 Bank Street, Richmond, VA
Step into the heart of American governance and the nation’s oldest continuous law-making body at the Virginia State Capitol. Built between 1785 and 1788, it was designed by Thomas Jefferson (with architect Charles Louis Clérisseau) and has witnessed pivotal chapters of the state’s story. Whether you’re drawn by politics, architecture, or American history, the Capitol offers a striking, tangible link to the past and a living stage for Virginia’s present and future.
The Valentine & First Freedom Center
The First Freedom Center: 14 South 14th Street, Richmond, VA
The Valentine: 1015 East Clay Street, Richmond, VA
On the site where Virginia adopted the Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786, the Valentine First Freedom Center celebrates the birthplace of America’s commitment to liberty of conscience. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and championed by James Madison, this revolutionary document laid the foundation for the First Amendment. Dive deeper into Richmond’s history at The Valentine, the city’s first museum, which opened in 1898 and serves as the ultimate resource to explore the region’s past, present and future.
(Renderings from The JXN Project website)
Skipwith-Roper Cottage
303 East Bates Street, Richmond, VA
Uncover the rich roots of Richmond’s “Harlem of the South” at the Skipwith–Roper Cottage, a landmark in the heart of the Jackson Ward neighborhood originally built around 1793 by Abraham Peyton Skipwith, the first known Black homeowner in the area. From emancipation to entrepreneurship, Skipwith’s story of landownership, legacy, and community stands as a powerful snapshot of Black achievement in early America. And though the original home was displaced for the Richmond–Petersburg Turnpike in the 1950s, a dynamic reconstruction effort by The JXN Project is underway to restore the cottage as a historic site and educational center to amplify and preserve the site’s legacy, opening in April 2026.
Ready to dive into history and see why the Richmond Region has always been revolutionary?
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