Whereas, fifty years ago
on August 16, 1935, the Congress authorized establishment of Red Hill,
Patrick Henry's last home and burial place, as a national monument in
tribute and recognition of his service to his country, and the
authorization was repealed in 1944 due to insufficient appropriations
during distressful times; and
Whereas the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation in 1944 acquired Red
Hill, located in Charlotte County, Virginia, and has both reconstructed
his home and restored his original cottage law office and grounds as a
shrine and museum, in commemoration of the entire life of Patrick Henry;
and
Whereas Red Hill is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places; and
Whereas the Virginia General Assembly, in its 1986 legislative
session, has enacted Senate Joint Resolution 82, calling for national
recognition and stewardship of Red Hill by the Federal Government; and
Whereas Scotchtown, Saint John's Church, and Hanover County
Courthouse are designated National Historic Landmarks, due to their
historical significance, integrity and representation of key moments of
Patrick Henry's revolutionary contributions; and
Whereas May 29, 1786, was the birthdate of Patrick Henry, and
Scotchtown, Saint John's Church, and Hanover County Courthouse and Red
Hill are together planning commemorative activities for the two hundred
and fiftieth anniversary of Patrick Henry's birth during 1986; and
Whereas it would be appropriate for Congress, as part of the 1986
commemorative activities, to honor for the benefit of present and future
generations the entire life of Patrick Henry by a national
memorialization of this American Patriot's burial place at Red Hill,
where are also preserved his original cottage law office, his
reconstructed home, and museum articles depicting his life and work:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That the last home and burial
place of Patrick Henry in Charlotte County, Commonwealth of Virginia,
known as Red Hill, is hereby designated as a National Memorial to
Patrick Henry, and shall be known as: the Red Hill Patrick Henry
National Memorial. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and
directed to take appropriate action to assure that this Memorial is
announced in the Federal Register, and that official records and lists
are amended, in due course, to reflect this addition as being included
along with other national memorials established by Act of Congress.
Sec. 2. The Secretary of the Interior, with the concurrence of the
owner of the property, is authorized and directed to place at the
gravesite on or by June 6, 1986, the anniversary of Patrick Henry's
death, an appropriate plaque or marker bearing an inscription
commensurate with the contributions of Patrick Henry to the American
Revolution and with the patriotism his words and deeds continue to
inspire in all Americans: Provided, That the ownership of Red Hill
remains non-Federal, and that the costs of such plaque or marker, and of
its inscription and maintenance, as well as the costs of operations and
maintenance for the estate shall be borne from non-Federal funds,
services, or materials.
