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

Attic to Cellar Tour at Scotchtown
May 03, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Hanover County

Have you ever wanted to wander through Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown appreciating the architecture of this 300-year-old house? Have you longed to see p... Read More

History & Hops
May 03, 2024 - May 03, 2024
Hanover County

Stroll through the times of the Revolutionary War period, travel back in time through lively chats about history with Hanover historical organizations... Read More

Descendants Day at Scotchtown
May 18, 2024 - May 18, 2024
Hanover County

Scotchtown is continuing to grow its descendant community of those who lived or worked on the property, and we invite anyone who may have a connection... Read More

Lafayette Returns to Hanover
May 19, 2024 - May 19, 2024
Hanover County

We are pleased to welcome back the Marquis de Lafayette as he recalls his experiences in America during the Revolution and on his return 200 years ago... Read More

John Rolfe, First-Person Interpretation Talk
June 22, 2024 - June 22, 2024
Hanover County

John Rolfe set sail for Virginia in 1609. Despite being shipwrecked in Bermuda, he later made it to the devasted Jamestown colony. Contrary to the wid... Read More

"The Great Badge of Freedom" — The Hanover Resolves 250th Commemoration
July 20, 2024 - July 20, 2024
Hanover County

On July 20, 1774, the citizens of Hanover County met at the courthouse to elect representatives for the upcoming First Virginia Convention at Williams... Read More