The great speaker, Patrick Henry, said in 1774, "I am not a Virginian, but an American."
1774. Return to the front steps and follow the sound of softly scuffling boots as they make their way to the east side of the main room on the first floor. You are now standing in the very spot where some of this country's most famous colonists once stood: George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, John Jay and Paul Revere to name a few. You are in the midst of the First Continental Congress. This was a group of representatives sent by twelve of the thirteen colonies to try to find a way to settle some of the difficulties that they were having with England, their ruling country.
Walk over with them to the Windsor armchairs where they sat in thought, to prepare their debate over the best way to present a peaceful solution to Britain about its unfair laws and practices in America. All of which caused many colonists great hardships. Stand next to the table, and hear the quill pen scratch out the words onto parchment paper as they composed the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. Listen to their cheers as they send off to England this document that proclaims that although they will remain loyal citizens of England, from now on they will make their own laws!
