Nathan Hale History

2005 Marks Nathan Hale's 250th Birthday

Connecticut's official hero was born in Coventry on June 6, 1755. One of 12 children, Hale entered Yale at age 14. After receiving his diploma in 1773, he taught school, first in East Hadam, then in New London.

When trouble broke out with England, Hale was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Third Company of Colonel  Charles Webb's regiment and was later promoted to captain. Temporarily transferred to Knowlton's Rangers, Hale was asked to learn British plans. On September 12 he was ferried from Norwalk to Long Island. There he dressed in schoolmaster's clothes, placing his Yale diploma in his pocket.

Hale was captured while trying to return to his own line. He was brought to General William Howe's headquarters where British Guardsmen found sketches of military fortifications hidden in the inner soles of his shoes. Hale was sentenced, without trial, to hang the next day. On Septermber22, 1776, the 21 year old Hale was marched to the gallows in the British camp at New York. His final words were:

"I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."