Nathan Hale was an American patriot and martyr who fought for the Continental Army during the American War of Independence. This biography explores his childhood, early life, career, achievements, personal life, legacy and timeline. Hale was born on June 6, 1755 in Coventry, Connecticut, and was the second of twelve children born to Richard Hale and Elizabeth Strong. He belonged to one of the most prominent families in the region. When he was fourteen years old, he sent his brother Enoch, who was sixteen, to Yale College. Nathan was Classmates with a fellow patriot spy Benjamin Tallmadge. The Hale brothers belonged to the Yale literary and debating society, Linonia. This debated topics in astronomy, mathematics, literature, and the ethics …show more content…
A captain in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, he famously announced "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" just before being executed by the British for being a spy. He grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Yale College. He began his career as a teacher, but when the War for Independence broke out, he accepted a commission as a lieutenant in the Continental Army. He served at Boston and then New York, where he volunteered to go behind British lines to gather intelligence. He was captured by the British and immediately admitted that he was spying for General George Washington. British general William Howe ordered the execution of Hale, who was hanged the next day. Although Hale 's spying mission ended in failure, his display of patriotism made him a hero among the colonists fighting for independence. He died very young, at the age of 21, but his dedication to his beliefs are one of the symbols of American bravery and principles. Many statues and memorials honor this martyr and he was designated the official state hero of Connecticut. While Nathan Hale died at the early age of 21, his words have spread across the revolutionary efforts and throughout history. Nathan Hale was not just remembered for his success, but for his bravery and dignity. Hale also was remembered for his bravery and willing to volunteer for his risk of life and death. His passion and commitment to the cause of independence inspired many of his compatriots and served to motivate many