Hanover County

  • Road to Revolution historic marker 73b88ab0373481ed027a465bde74f5ca

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

GabrielGabriel
September 26, 2025 - November 09, 2025
Hanover County

Gabriel is a soaring new American musical with Virginia roots. Born in Henrico County in 1776, Gabriel became a powerful force for justice and social ... Read More

Book Talk with Author Andrew LawlerBook Talk with Author Andrew Lawler
October 05, 2025 - October 05, 2025
Hanover County

Join us at Patrick Henry's Scotchtown for a book talk with Author Andrew Lawler on Sunday, October 5th at 3:30PM. Lawler will be discussing his recent... Read More

Gabriel: The True Story You Were Never Told (Pay What You Will Performance)Gabriel: The True Story You Were Never Told (Pay What You Will Performance)
October 09, 2025 - October 09, 2025
Hanover County

Join us for this special Pay What You Will performance as part of artoberVA! GABRIEL is a soaring new American musical with Virginia roots. Born in He... Read More

GABRIEL: The True Story You Were Never Told (Pay What You Will Performance)GABRIEL: The True Story You Were Never Told (Pay What You Will Performance)
October 09, 2025 - October 09, 2025
Hanover County

Join us for this special Pay What You Will performance as part of artoberVA! GABRIEL is a soaring new American musical with Virginia roots. Born in He... Read More

The Stuff of Nightmares - A Gothic Literature ExperienceThe Stuff of Nightmares - A Gothic Literature Experience
October 25, 2025 - October 25, 2025
Hanover County

Crumbling castles, dark foreboding landscapes, supernatural and mysterious characters, disturbing and horrifying stories! Spend an evening at Scotc... Read More

First Responder Appreciation DayFirst Responder Appreciation Day
October 26, 2025 - October 26, 2025
Hanover County

To say thank you to our first responders and their families, today we are offering free admission and refreshments to all EMS, Police Officers and Fir... Read More

History & HopsHistory & Hops
May 16, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Hanover County

Engage with living historians and reenactors, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and crafts, and see a variety of demonstrations, all with your favor... Read More

VA250 Commission

Contact

Shelby Walker
804-365-3277


News

New signage, research at Hanover County's Scotchtown site to tell more about Patrick Henry

New signage, research at Hanover County’s Scotchtown site to tell more about Patrick Henry

July 21, 2023
Richmond Times-Dispatch