About Fort Nathan Hale
What is Fort Nathan Hale?
Fort Nathan Hale is a 20 acre City Park located
on the east shore of New Haven Harbor. In 1921 by act of Congress,
Fort Nathan Hale, a Federal fortification, was deeded to the
State, which turned it over to the City to maintain. The site
was turned into a popular bathing and picnic area but pollution
and the hurricane of 1938 brought such recreation to an end.
The site, neglected, became
overgrown and the fort fell into decay.
Today this historic site includes a reconstructed
Revolutionary fort, Black Rock Fort, and a partially restored
Civil War facility, Fort Nathan Hale. It is open to the public,
free of charge, from Memorial to Labor Day weekend.
Educational programs are given throughout the year
to students attending local schools and can be arranged by contacting
the New Haven Parks Department.
Fort Nathan Hale Restoration Projects, Inc.
FNHRP, a nonprofit organization, was established
in 1967 by a group of concerned citizens interested in the restoration
and preservation of Fort Nathan Hale. Brought back to life in
time for the Nation's Bicentennial, Fort Nathan Hale was rededicated
on July 5, 1976. FNHRP is responsible for the reconstruction
of Black Rock Fort and the restoration of Fort Nathan Hale.
Through the efforts of FNHRP, funds are raised
annually to maintain, staff and promote the facility. Monies
are raised by: membership; open to all who share concern for
the need to preserve our historic links with the past for the
benefit of the present; special events; grants; and donations.
Fort Nathan Hale, A National Landmark
Fort Nathan Hale was declared a landmark and Historic
Site by the the New Haven Preservation Trust, the first so recognized
in New Haven. In 1970 Fort Nathan Hale was placed on the National
Register of Historic Places by the Department of the Interior,
thus granting national recognition of this historic place.
What is Fort Nathan Hale Today?
Visitors to Fort Nathan Hale can walk the 20 acres,
viewing the two forts, one from the Revolution, the other from
the Civil War. Visitors enter via the Fort's visitor center,
the Pavilion, and pass through the Memorial Flag Court. Each
year over 7000 visitors from countries around the world tour
the historic site
Address inquiries to:
Fort Nathan Hale Restoration Projects, Inc.
P.O. Box 1981
New Haven, CT 06521