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Birth
On June 6, 1755, Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut. -
Graduation From Yale
Graduated from Yale University with honors in 1773, no specified date. -
Joins Local Militia
Hale joins the local militia, even though he was not old enough, to fight against King George The Third. -
Life Changing Letter
This letter was written from fellow Yale Graduate Benjamin Tallmadge, he wrote a letter saying that Nathan telling him, " 'Was I in your condition ... I think the more extensive Service would be my choice. Our holy Religion, the honour of our God, a glorious country, & a happy constitution is what we have to defend.' " -
The Newfound Spy
George Washington desperately needed to know where the British were planning their upcoming attack in ManHattan. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton convinced Hale to become a spy, telling him it could potentially strengthen the colonies advantage, but his good friend Captain William Hull insisted he did not do it. Yet Nathan Hale stayed strong to his idea that he was helping the colonies. -
Too Late
Nathan Hale crosses the Long Island Sound from Norwalk, Connecticut and into British territory disguised as a schoolteacher. He learned the British were going to invade Manhattan at Kip's Bay but before he could tell anyone the British invaded (September 15-16). -
Captured
After the attack, the British implanted there were lots of riots and confusion, as Nathan Hale was walking back to the Long Island Sound he was searched by Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Rogers of the Queen's Rangers and arrested. -
Heroic Death
On this day British soldiers marched him five and one-half miles out of the city to prepare for his hanging. He was executed by hanging in Rutgers' apple orchard at the age of twenty-one. His last words were "I only regret I have but one life to lose to my country."