May 29, 2011

On this date in 1765, Patrick Henry made a very famous speech to Virginia’s legislature, during which he uttered that famous phrase: “If this be treason, make the most of it!” What’s less well-known is what immediately followed that line: “If this be treason, make the most of it! Dance! Everybody dance!” And yea, did the Virginia House of Burgesses dance the night away. The next week, King George would outlaw dancing in the colonies, and the Revolutionary War was on.