East Haddam, Connecticut
General, History, Historic House, Historical Society
Hale complained in a letter to a former college classmate of the "remote life in the wilderness called Moodus", and he left East Haddam just before spring to take over the Union Grammar School in the "big city" of New London. Had it not been for the growing war clouds and eventual struggle the schoolhouse on the green at Chapman's Ferry would have been forgotten, as Hale departed with little or no fanfare that winter of 1773. However, the five-month stay and Hale's eventual martyrdom have reserved the building, the story of his unique life, and the inspiration, which he passed on to the people of this nation.
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
Nathan Hale's immortal last words on being hanged as a spy by the British in New York on September 22, 1776.