Hampden-Sydney College joins 3 additional Hanover sites to Heritage Trail House Bill 1722 creates "The Road to Revolution" state heritage trail and honors the first Governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry. The establishment of a heritage trail of sites that will pay homage to Patrick Henry's leading role in liberating Virginia from Colonial rule to independence and strives to bring a considerable number of tourists to Central Virginia, as well as contribute to the joint marketing and economic development efforts of our surrounding areas. A special thanks must go to Hanover County, Richmond Region 2007, Virginia Tourism Corporation and Convention Vistor's Bureau for their collaborative support of the trail and its on-going marketing efforts.
As this measure received such regional media attention, and passed the General Assembly unanimously, a number of partners have asked to have their sites included in the trail. Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R- Mechanicsville), chief patron of House Bill 1722, requested the Governor amend the measure to add these key sites in the initial round and today the legislature hardily agreed to these amendments.
"I greatly appreciate the support which this measure has received from the historic, economic development and tourism communities across the commonwealth," Peace asserted.
The original bill consisted of the following core sites: St. John's Church at Richmond, Virginia; Scotchtown at Beaverdam, Virginia; Hanover Tavern at Hanover, Virginia; the Hanover County Courthouse at Hanover, Virginia; Historic Polegreen Church at Mechanicsville, Virginia; and Red Hill Plantation at Brookneal, Virginia.
Added sites include: Studley Plantation Henry's Birthplace, Rural Plains Henry's Marital Site, Pine Slash Henry's Honeymoon Cottage, and Hampden-Sydney College, Henry Original Founder.
"As a native of Hanover County, I am pleased to contribute to the memory of our first Governor, Patrick Henry, as well as contribute to the joint marketing and economic development efforts of our area. We have a rich heritage and we need to collaborate and find creative opportunities for promoting these valuable resources," stated Peace.