In Podcast #3 the Virginia Trekkers take you to the first and oldest church in Richmond, Historic St. John’s Church.  Come see where Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” speech; learn which signer of the Declaration of Independence is buried here; see the grave site of Edgar Allan Poe’s mother; hear Alfonso give his recitation of Patrick Henry’s speech from memory; and find out what’s the state flower of Virginia.  Come on, let’s go trekkin’! (Trouble viewing the YouTube video? Try Vimeo or direct link).

Virginia is one of only two states to have the same plant for its state flower and state tree, the Flowering Dogwood.  Do you know what the other state is?  (The answer can be found at the bottom of the page in tiny print or here).  The flowering dogwood was chosen because it is native to North America, it is found throughout Virginia, and its beauty inspires pride in our state. (Image credit)


Here is a Google map of St. John's Church. Use the +/- buttons in the bottom right to zoom in or out.



This is a 360 view of St. John's Church. Click the arrows to go inside!


Social Studies

2.7 (2023) The student will apply history and social science skills to describe the revolutionaries who fought for America’s freedom (1764-1781), including but not limited to

d. Patrick Henry;


VS.5 (2015) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the role of Virginia in the American Revolution by

b) identifying the various roles of American Indians, whites, enslaved African Americans, and free African Americans in the Revolutionary War era, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, the Marquis de Lafayette, and James Lafayette;


VS.6 (2023) The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the establishment and growth of the new American nation with emphasis on the role of Virginians and events in Virginia during the 18th and 19th centuries by

a. explaining the role of George Washington (“Father of Our Country”), James Madison (“Father of the Constitution), and Patrick Henry (“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech);


USI.6 (2023) The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the American Revolution by

d. describing the leadership roles of individuals, including but not limited to George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, John Adams, and the Marquis de Lafayette;



*Answer: Mississippi is the only other state with the same national flower and tree - theirs is the Magnolia.