March 23, 1775: Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty or give me death!”
On this date in 1775, Patrick Henry gave his famous speech at St. John’s Church in Richmond, ending with the ringing line, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” Listen to an audio recreation of his speech, read the text, and explore related resources from FCIT.
"Give me liberty or give me death!" Banner
Share this banner on social media to commemorate Patrick Henry’s famous speech on March 23, 1775.
Patrick Henry Portrait
Portrait from the ClipArt ETC website.
Patrick Henry Giving Speech
Patrick Henry giving his speech in Richmond, from FCIT’s ClipArt ETC website.
Listen on Lit2Go
Recorded by Rick Kistner for Lit2Go. Part of the Historic American Documents audio collection. Duration: 7 minutes, 12 seconds. Six-page PDF of the speech. Reading level: 5.8. Word count: 1,229.
St. John's Church, Richmond
Church where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech.
Patrick Henry Delivering Speech
Another illustration of Henry delivering his “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.
Hanover Courthouse
Courthouse where Patrick Henry practiced law and argued the case accusing King George III of tyranny.
Patrick Henry Statue
Patrick Henry statue in Richmond, from FCIT’s ClipArt ETC website.
Patrick Henry on Horesback
Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Edmund Pendleton on horses on their way to Philadelphia, as delegates to the First Continental Congress.
Patrick Henry Colorized Illustration
Colorized illustration in square format.