Nathan Hale Hanging Site Marker, NY

Nathan Hale was a 21-year-old schoolteacher with a Yale education who became an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. At the Battle of Harlem Heights, Washington, facing Howe in battle yet again, asked for a volunteer to go on a spy mission behind enemy lines. Hale stepped forward. Disguising himself as a Dutch schoolteacher, his objective was to infiltrate British-occupied Long Island and gather information about their troop movements. Hale was captured on September 21, 1776, while attempting to return to American lines. He was brought to the headquarters of British Commander General William Howe at the Beekman Mansion. As espionage was considered a capital offense at the time, Hale was executed by hanging the following morning without a trial. "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" is widely attributed to Hale. While the exact location of the hanging is unknown, a British Officer’s diary stated that the hanging occurred at “the Royal Artillery Park near the Dove Tavern at the old Post Road,” which is now 3rd Avenue.

Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. Read about Spies of the Revolutionary War.