The Richmond Region Colonial History Itinerary
For groups: five centuries of stories
If you want to explore the story of America, start at the beginning. The Richmond region was home to Pocahontas and John Rolfe, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and other key players in the shaping of our nation.
1500s
AGECROFT HALL
Originally built in Lancashire, England, this 15th-century Tudor-style home was dismantled and rebuilt on the banks of the James River in 1925. Options can include “behind the scenes” group tours of objects in storage, led by the Curator of Collections. Must-see: the Gillette-designed gardens.
Time Allotment: Two hours
Location: Five miles west of Richmond downtown
Bus Parking: Onsite
1600s
HENRICUS HISTORICAL PARK
Make your arrival in the New World! The re-created 1611 Henricus awaits. Henricus was the second successful English settlement in the New World, and home to Pocahontas and her husband John Rolfe. This immersive experience includes historic reenactments with both Colonists and Native Americans.
Time Allotment: Three hours
Location: 17 miles from downtown Richmond in Chesterfield County
Bus Parking: Onsite
1700s
HISTORIC ST. JOHN’S CHURCH
It was the speech that sparked a nation. In March of 1775, the Second Virginia Convention was held in this church on Richmond’s Church Hill. Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Peyton Randolph and other prominent Virginians were delegates to the convention. Here, Patrick Henry embodied the spirit of the Revolution on March 23, 1775, with his passionate words, “Give me liberty…or give me death!” Guided tours and Liberty or Death reenactments are available for groups.
Time Allotment: One hour
Location: Richmond’s Historic Church Hill Neighborhood
Bus Parking: Street parking
VIRGINIA STATE CAPITOL
The foundation of our government was formed. America broke free from England. And Richmond, Virginia became a key city in this brand new country. The Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson in 1788, is the second oldest working capitol in the United States.
Time Allotment: One and a half hours. Please allow extra time for your group to clear security bag check.
Location: Downtown Richmond
Bus Parking: Drop-off only
HANOVER TAVERN & HANOVER COURTHOUSE
It was first licensed in 1733 – and Patrick Henry was a bartender. “The Tavern” is one of only a few surviving colonial era taverns in the United States, and its patrons included George Washington, Lord Cornwallis, and the Marquis de Lafayette. The Hanover Courthouse is the site where Patrick Henry argued the Parson’s Cause case against England, an important event leading to the American Revolution.
Time: Two hours to visit both the tavern and courthouse
Location: 20 miles north of Richmond in Hanover County
Bus Parking: Onsite
PATRICK HENRY’S SCOTCHTOWN
Scotchtown is the only original standing home of Patrick Henry, patriot and orator of the American Revolution, open to the public. Built around 1720, this historic home has been restored to its appearance during Patrick Henry’s life.
Open March 1 – December 29
Time: Two hours
Location: 30 miles north of Richmond in Hanover County
Bus Parking: Onsite
