First of the Founding Fathers to openly call for independence, the first to call for union of the states, and the first to call for a bill of rights, Richard Henry Lee was one of the greatest Founding Fathers and is the Founder most remarkable for the number of “firsts” to his name.
It was also Richard Henry Lee who authored the Westmoreland Resolves that led the field in organized and armed resistance to Britain, introduced the idea of Intercolonial Committees of Correspondence, was first chosen by Virginia to attend the First Continental Congress, and who masterminded a slew of political and diplomatic victories that ensured Washington’s ultimate victory in the Revolutionary War.
He held Congress together when Philadelphia was captured, saved Stratford Hall from British raiders by successfully leading the militia into battle against a superior opponent, organized the West by creating the law that became the Northwest Ordinance, and ensured the Bill of Rights–which he was instrumental in crafting–became law.
He was a great man, yet now he is the Forgotten Founding Father, the man who ought be remembered but is not. So we remember him, and the magnificent and history-altering project of which he was not just a part but which he helped lead and indeed was one of the greatest and first men in leading, this is his story, the record of his accomplishment!
CHAPTERS:
- 0:00 America’s First Founding Father
- 7:27 Richard Henry Lee’s Life at Chantilly on the Potomac
- 19:13 Richard Henry Lee Enters Virginia Politics
- 25:00 The Architect of Resistance to the Stamp Act
- 29:06 Creator of the Committees of Correspondence
- 33:20 Richard Henry Lee Declares Independence
- 37:48 War, Raids, and Congress
- 39:37 A Leader During Confederation, Shaper of the West
- 41:19 Anti-Federalist Leader?
- 44:03 Senator and Bill of Rights Champion
- 45:03 Retirement and Disillusionment
- 49:50 Final Years at Chantilly on the Potomac
Sources Referenced in this Episode:
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