SHELTON — Members of the Ripton Parish Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution look forward to our Nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. We honor those brave men and women who helped forge the thirteen colonies into one United States. Most of those who fought for our freedom are little known and we don’t realize the dangers these patriots faced every day. However, one such person we all know is Nathan Hale.

General George Washington realized the importance of spies who could infiltrate the British officers and army to discover military plans. We know of one such spy  – Nathan Hale. He was born in Coventry, Connecticut on June 6, 1755, the sixth child of a large family. His mother died when Nathan was 12, and her family, the Strongs, took over his education for a future clerical career and eventual education at Yale. One of Nathan’s classmates was Benjamin Tallmadge. After graduating from Yale in 1773, Nathan became a schoolmaster in East Haddam and Tallmadge taught in Wethersfield. These two friends were ready to join in the fight for independence once they heard about the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

On July 6, 1775, Nathan Hale joined the newly raised Seventh Regiment as a first lieutenant of the third company. The Seventh Regiment was commanded by Colonel Charles Webb, and First Lieutenant William Hull, who was another friend from Yale. In March 1776 Hale’s regiment sailed to Long Island Sound and New York City. Hale was stationed on the west side of the Bowery to guard the western end of Long Island which turned out to be anti-Patriot. During that time, on July 9, 1776, the regiments were summoned to hear the Declaration of Independence read. They realized they were fighting for something much more important than their colony – they were fighting for their freedom. 

At the Battle of Long Island, General Washington’s army had to retreat to Harlem Heights and then to White Plains, while the British took over Long Island. During that time Washington needed to know what the British were planning. He needed early intelligence and hoped to accomplish this with small parties of men going overnight to Long Island to seek information. During this time, Nathan Hale transferred to Knowlton’s Rangers, a new outfit trained for this special scouting service. Washington and Hale covered the route, the precautions and the cover story. This meant Hale would make his way to Norwalk, Connecticut, cross the Sound and land on Long Island behind the British encampment in Brooklyn. 

No one considered the role Robert Rogers would play in the demise of Nathan Hale. Rogers was born on the New Hampshire frontier and became a spy for the British. Roger’s Rangers were tough and highly loyal to Rogers. It was Rogers who received information on Hale slipping into Brooklyn. After a few days, Rogers saw Hale walking on the coastal road and watched Hale making notes when he passed British barracks or saw troops. Rogers noticed Hale at a roadside tavern and talked to him. Rogers told Hale he was part of an American troop caught behind the lines. Hale, being naïve, also said he was on a mission. The next day Hale met Rogers at his tavern and was introduced to several of Rogers’ friends. They talked about the revolution. At Rogers’ signal, the men dragged Hale out of the tavern. Some passersby stated they knew he was a Hale from Connecticut and a known rebel. 

At the age of 21, Nathan Hale was executed by hanging as a spy on September 22, 1776. Hale remains part of popular lore connected with the American Revolution for his purported last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country”.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is dedicated to promoting Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism. DAR members are women who come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of interests.  Any woman 18 years old or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove direct lineage to a Revolutionary War ancestor is eligible to join.  For more information, visit https://www.dar.org/  For information on Ripton Parish Chapter, NSDAR, Inc. visit https://riptonparishchapter.org/  To learn more about America250! visit https://www.dar.org/national-society/america-250/america250-foundation-partner