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Richmond, Virginia, St. John's Church, historic photos
Site of Patrick Henry's Famed "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Speech"

St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry, historic photo, 1865

An historic photo view of St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia. It was in this church building that the Second Virginia Convention met with more than 100 prominent Virginia colonial leaders present including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin Harrison, Patrick Henry and numerous others.

It was during this convention, on March 23, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, that Patrick Henry delivered his passionate speech that ended with these words:

"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!"

This photo was taken April, 1865, just as the Civil War was ending. Additional views of St. John's Church are shown below.

St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry, historic photo, 1901, color

A historic view of St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia in 1901 by Detroit Photographic Co. The adjoining cemetery includes the graves of a number of persons of note. More photos are below.

St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry, historic photo, 1901, black and white

A view of St. John's Church from the opposite side. This photo is by Detroit Publishing Co., 1901.

St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry, historic photo, 1910

A view of St. John's Church and Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. This photo is by Detroit Publishing Co., 1910.

St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia, Interior view, Patrick Henry, historic photo, 1901, color

An interior view of St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia as seen from the pew occupied by Patrick Henry. This photo is by Detroit Photographic Co., 1901.

St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia, Interior view, Patrick Henry, historic photo, 1901, grayscale

An interior view of St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia as viewed from the back of the church. This photo is by Detroit Publishing Co., 1910.

Construction of the church building was completed in 1741. This is the oldest church building in Richmond, Virginia.

The church building still stands, is still used as an Episcopal Church and is open to visitors. The church is located at 2401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia.

This church building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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