Red Hill Visit

If any of you take a vacation to western Virginia, it will be worth your time to visit Red Hill, Patrick Henry's last home. Located in Brookneal, it is off the beaten path. You can see his home, law office, kitchen, stables, and blacksmith shop as well as the Osage Orange tree under which Dr. Cabell waited for the death of Patrick Henry.

My students, during a living history presentation, were able to learn about medicines in colonial times and basket-weaving. They learned to spin wool and work a loom. Two of my students made nails in the Blacksmith ship.

The life of Patrick Henry was presented in a short video that did not fail to include his Christian faith and his desire to "finish well" as a testimony to Dr. Cabell, his personal physician. I was also reminded how much we need his voice in contemporary politics. His "splendid empire" prophecy has never been more relevant.

Our guide and the re-enactors were largely retired teachers who love students and shared what they knew. My students were treated to more than a cursory overview of Henry's life. They were immersed, at least for awhile, in colonial life. Call ahead and find out when the living history days will take place. You can also visit their website at RedHill.org.