In 1775, Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" speech in St. John's Church in Richmond, crucial for deciding Virginia's participation in the First Continental Congress and setting the course for revolution and independence. On April 18, 1780, the state capital was moved from the colonial capital of Williamsburg to Richmond, to provide a more centralized location for Virginia's increasing westerly population, as well as to isolate the capital from British attack. The latter motive proved to be in vain, and in 1781, under the command of Benedict Arnold, Richmond was burned by British troops, causing Governor Thomas Jefferson to flee as the Virginia militia, led by Sampson Mathews, defended the city.
What year did Patrick Henry give his speech? What happened on April 18, 1780? What did Patrick Henry's speech encourage to happen? What's one reason the capital was moved to Richmond? Who was Governor of Virginia in 1781 What did Patrick Henry's famous speech persuade Virginians to send delegates to? What was the capital of Virginia prior to Richmond? What general led the troops that burned Richmond? Who led the militia that defended Richmond? Who was the governor of Virginia in 1781?