Saturday, May 4, 2013

Nathan Hale Schoolhouse

New London, CT

Nestled between modern parking garages, office buildings and a downtown "festival" area, this 18th Century schoolhouse looks just a little out of place.  Connecticut patriot and Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale taught here in 1774 and 1775, before enlisting in the army in 1775 to fight for our independence.  Having graduated from Yale University at the age of 18, he previously had taught in East Haddam, CT before moving to the big city of New London.  At least when I was in grade school we learned of Hale's famous last words,  on being hanged as a spy against the British on September 22, 1776.

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

I still hope they teach that in todays schools.


3 comments:

  1. It looks sorely out of place in this setting. Still, I'm glad that someone has put forth the effort to preserve a bit of history.

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  2. I think they taught about Nathan Hale in my school, but that was a loong time ago. Don't think of him as a school teacher, but as a fiery revolutionary.

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  3. Thanks for the comments. I know there is a Nathan Hale homestead nearby. I'll have to try and visit that sometime. Theres is so much history here in Connecticut and all of New England. I find it all fascinating.

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