In the spring of 1775, Patrick Henry spoke the words that would make him one of the most important Americans in history: “Give me liberty or give me death!” Now, some 230 years after that rousing speech to Virginia’s congressional delegation, a new group of Virginians is making sure this patriot receives proper attention.

A handful of the commonwealth’s most prominent historical sites and institutions have come together to present a look at a man who has been called the orator of the American Revolution. Their efforts have resulted in a new heritage trail, the Road to Revolution, that weaves together the life and times of Patrick Henry in Colonial Virginia.

In less than a day, visitors to the picturesque Virginia countryside can drive to the 10 places where Henry was instrumental in creating the movement that forged a new nation. Although there’s no particular order in which to take in the sites, this historic trail works best when it begins at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Va. In 1775, the church offered the largest meeting space in the colony, and delegates needed all the space they could get for their state convention.

Every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer, a group of actors re-creates the convention that prompted Henry to make his famous speech. Visitors should be prepared to join the cast as the church’s rector, the Rev. Miles Selden, begins the mock convention with an invocation that beseeches Almighty God to protect their sovereign, King George III. But as the reverend addresses a crowd that includes the likenesses of Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington, it becomes apparent that certain Virginia delegates believe war with their king is inevitable. After Henry’s speech, onlookers sitting in the church get to watch the delegates affirm — by a narrow margin — Henry’s resolutions.

Some of the same actors perform at another stop on the trail, the Hanover County Courthouse. Built in 1735 and still in use today, it was there that a young Patrick Henry argued a case that gave him national recognition at the time. The people of Hanover saw the potential of his oratory when, in 1763, he successfully argued a case in support of religious liberty.

Across the street from the courthouse is Hanover Tavern, owned by Henry’s father-in-law for much of the 18th century. To this day, it serves up hearty fare for travelers along the trail.

Also nearby is the modern white silhouette of the Polegreen Church, which was one of four “dissenter” churches in Anglican Virginia. Although Henry was an Episcopalian himself, he attended the Presbyterian meetinghouse as a boy. Many believe that its pastor, the Rev. Samuel Davies, inspired him to become an orator with his rousing Sunday morning sermons.

Perhaps the most fascinating stop along the trail is Scotchtown, where Henry lived with his large family in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War. It is painstakingly maintained by a legion of preservationists, and presents in detail the life of a Virginia planter and lawyer during the 18th century.

Virginia assemblyman Christopher Peace, who represents Hanover County, was instrumental in securing public funding for the new trail. Mr. Peace graduated from one of the trail’s stops, historic Hampden-Sydney College, which Patrick Henry helped found in 1776 and to which he sent 10 of his own sons. The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau recently sponsored a trip for journalists to experience the trail firsthand.

The Road to Revolution may be particularly interesting to New Yorkers, who live in the historical shadow of their own hometown hero, Alexander Hamilton. Later in his distinguished career, it was Patrick Henry who believed that the young nation should avoid foreign entanglements. This isolationist fervor was a challenge to the prestige of Hamilton, the Manhattan-based internationalist.

The trail also allows visitors to explore Richmond, a vibrant capital city with charming architecture and beautiful parks and gardens, including the Edwardian-era Fan District. Richmond’s architectural jewel is the state capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson while he was in Paris. Although the trail concentrates on Henry, this Jeffersonian masterpiece is a must-see. A recent renovation ensures that it continues to be the finest of the nation’s state capitols.

For details about the trail, visit www.roadtorevolution.org.