About

Hanover County was formed on November 26, 1720 from New Kent County along the boundaries of St. Paul’s Parish. Hanover County’s historic courthouse, believed to have been constructed between 1737 and 1743, is the second-oldest in the Commonwealth still in public use and is the official seal of the county, along with being the birthplace of Patrick Henry and Henry Clay. Other historical sites in Hanover County include Hanover Tavern across U.S. Route 301 from the historic Courthouse; Scotchtown, the home of Patrick Henry at the time of his famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech and his election as Virginia’s first governor; Rural Plains, which was owned by the parents of his first wife and is now part of a Civil War battlefield preserved by the Richmond National Battlefield Park; the memorial at the site of the Historic Polegreen Church where Virginians seeking freedom of religious expression gathered to worship freely; and several Civil War battlefields. Hanover County’s participation in the 250th commemoration is supported by the Board of Supervisors and the local committee appointed by the County Administrator is planning events, programs and activities.

Local Events

A Revolution in Art Expo
June 21, 2025 - July 31, 2025
Hanover County

Experience the intersection of art and history as we commemorate 250 years of American independence. From colonial homes to landscape scenes, discover... Read More

A Conversation with Author Dr. Jon Kukla & Judge David B. Caddell Jr.
July 13, 2025 - July 13, 2025
Hanover County

Henry was an early advocate for independence who burst onto the scene with his argument against the Crown in the Parsons’ Cause. As a newly-elected... Read More