Hanover County was formed in 1720. It was named after the Electorate of Hanover in Germany, because King George I was Elector of Hanover at the time of the county's formation. Patrick Henry was born in Hanover County, and he argued the famous so-called Parson's Cause, the legal argument against taxes levied on preachers, at Hanover Courthouse, the county seat. Henry Clay was also born in Hanover County