St John's Church
Historic 1741 Episcopal church, site of Patrick Henry's 'Give me liberty or give me death!' speech, with engaging reenactments.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Reenactments are active
St John's Church
Best Time
Reenactments are active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1741 Episcopal church, site of Patrick Henry's 'Give me liberty or give me death!' speech, with engaging reenactments.
"A beautiful church with wonderful history, the reenactment is worth sitting through."
🎯 Check Reenactment Schedule
The historical reenactments are seasonal and have specific times. Always check the official schedule before your visit!
🚗 Parking Tips
Street parking can be tough. Consider ride-sharing or the Pulse if attending an evening event.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Revolutionary Speech Reenactment
Inside the Church
Experience a powerful reenactment of a famous American Revolution speech given right here. A must-see!
Historic Church Interior
Main Sanctuary
Admire the unique architecture and the 'little boxes' seating. Photography is often allowed, so capture the colonial charm.
Colonial Cemetery
Church Grounds
Explore the old cemetery, a quiet space with historical significance. You might even find notable graves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for History
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Reenactment Schedule
The historical reenactments are seasonal and have specific times. Always check the official schedule before your visit!
🚗 Parking Tips
Street parking can be tough. Consider ride-sharing or the Pulse if attending an evening event.
Heard richmond has a lot of history. Never been to Richmond before and might be in the area for a day or two. What are some historic districts or neighborhoods in Richmond or the surrounding towns to walk around and explore?
Trip Itinerary
📸 Photo Opportunities
The interior is beautiful and often allows photos. Capture the unique seating and historical details. [^R]
🤝 Friendly Staff
Docents and staff are often praised for being friendly and informative, even on shortened tours. [^R]
Parking for Historic St. John’s Church
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Reenactment Schedule
The historical reenactments are seasonal and have specific times. Always check the official schedule before your visit!
🚗 Parking Tips
Street parking can be tough. Consider ride-sharing or the Pulse if attending an evening event.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The interior is beautiful and often allows photos. Capture the unique seating and historical details. [^R]
🤝 Friendly Staff
Docents and staff are often praised for being friendly and informative, even on shortened tours. [^R]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. John's Church for its profound historical significance, particularly the reenactment of Patrick Henry's famous speech. The friendly and informative staff, beautiful colonial architecture, and the peaceful historic cemetery are frequently highlighted as major draws. While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational value and unique atmosphere.
"We found out this location was close to where we were staying . It is one of those types of stops; you don't realize how close you are until you start looking around deeper at places nearby. We had to add the stop to our list before we left Richmond.
We got to the church when they were opening up for the day. The gentleman that was there was apologizing for being so late to open up (but it was only 5 minutes). We talked to him about the freeway traffic we would hit when we left.
He asked us if we wanted to take a tour of the church. We had already read all the placards and said we had to go. The church offers a shortened tour that allows visitors to go inside for a brief period to see the interior and take pictures. We opted for that and had an extremely pleasant experience.
The docent was friendly and answered all our questions, even though we didn't take the full tour. She let us take as many photos and videos as we wanted, and we weren't rushed. Loved it.
We are so glad that we stopped here, and we want to thank the staff for treating us with the respect and consideration of a customer and traveling tourist. We wish we could give a sixth star.
We highly recommend you stop at this location if you find yourself in Richmond. We commend the individuals working on the morning of June 28, 2025, for their outstanding performance. We appreciate the efforts of the gentleman at the gift shop and the woman who guided us into the church. Thank you!
We will have a video and blog post coming out about this location sometime in January as we are extremely backed up on our media being posted live."
Our Haunted Travels - PANICd
"It's a beautiful church with wonderful history. Visited this place for the 5th time. The historical theater only played in the prime summer time. Watched it twice, which is a must see. We enjoy the guided tour every time. Very cute gift shop. Stuffs are extremely helpful and friendly."
progga ahmed
"Beautiful Church with a rich history, the reenactment is worth sitting through. Definitely somewhere worth checking out if you're in the area!"
Ryan De La Luz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. John's Church is located in the Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond. If driving, be aware that street parking can be limited, especially during events. Many visitors recommend using ride-sharing services or public transport like the GRTC Pulse bus line.
Parking directly at the church is often unavailable. Street parking in the surrounding Church Hill area can be challenging. For evening events, consider parking further away and walking or using alternative transportation.
The GRTC Pulse bus line is a convenient option for reaching the Church Hill area. Check the GRTC website for the closest stops and routes to St. John's Church.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While entry to the grounds is generally free, there might be fees or specific ticket requirements for guided tours or special events like the historical reenactments. It's best to check their official website for current information. [^R]
Opening hours can vary, especially for tours and events. Some visitors have noted that the church may open a few minutes past the scheduled time. Always confirm the current operating hours on their official website before your visit. [^R]
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended. They offer insights into the church's rich history. Even shortened tours provide a pleasant experience and allow for photos. [^R]
The historical reenactment is a popular attraction. While specific pricing can change, it's often included with a tour or may require a separate ticket. Check the church's event calendar for details. [^R]
Generally, photography is permitted inside the church, especially during tours. Visitors have appreciated the freedom to take pictures and videos without being rushed. [^R]
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
St. John's Church is a significant historical site, dating back to 1741. It's famous for hosting Patrick Henry's 'Give me liberty or give me death!' speech during the Second Virginia Convention in 1775. [^R]
Inside, you'll find unique colonial architecture, including the distinctive 'little boxes' where congregants sat. The interior offers a glimpse into early American church design. [^R]
Yes, the surrounding cemetery is very old and historically significant. It's a peaceful place to explore and has been noted as containing the grave of Edgar Allan Poe's mother. [^R]
The 'historical theater' likely refers to the reenactment of Patrick Henry's speech, which is a dramatic presentation that brings the church's pivotal role in American history to life. [^R]
Yes, there is a gift shop on-site that visitors have found to be very cute and well-stocked with relevant items. The staff there are also noted for being helpful. [^R]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider opting for a guided tour, as the docents are often enthusiastic and can tailor their explanations to be more accessible for younger audiences. The historic cemetery can also be an interesting, albeit somber, exploration for older children interested in history. Ensure you check the schedule for reenactments and tours in advance to maximize your family's visit.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take advantage of the guided tours to delve deep into the church's colonial past, its architecture, and its role in the Revolutionary War. Exploring the historic cemetery can also provide further context, with opportunities to discover the resting places of notable figures from Richmond's early days. The seasonal reenactments are a must-see to truly appreciate the historical context.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Echoes of Revolution
Beyond this iconic speech, the church itself is a testament to colonial architecture. Built in 1741, it represents a significant period in early American religious and civic life. The interior, with its unique box pews, offers a tangible connection to the past. Exploring the church grounds also reveals a historic cemetery, where generations of Richmond residents are laid to rest, adding another layer to the site's historical narrative. [^R]
Experiencing St. John's Today
Beyond the reenactments, the guided tours are highly praised for their informative and friendly docents. Even if you opt for a shortened tour, you'll gain valuable insights into the church's history and architecture. Visitors consistently mention the welcoming atmosphere and the staff's willingness to answer questions, making it a pleasant stop for any tourist. The opportunity to take photos inside and around the church allows you to capture the colonial charm and historical significance. [^R]
Don't overlook the gift shop, which offers a curated selection of items. It's a great place to find a souvenir or a memento of your visit. The overall sentiment from visitors is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending St. John's as a must-visit location in Richmond for its history, beauty, and welcoming environment. [^R]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit