Located in Coventry, Conn. The Nathan Hale Homestead is in
reality the Richard Hale Homestead. The home that is located here was never
Nathan’s home, he had already died when the family actually occupied the house.
He would likely have visited here during the construction and may well have
helped with some building chores but he didn’t live in this house.
The foundation of the original house has been discovered and
that is the house where Nathan and his 11 siblings were born.
The Nathan Hale Homestead is now owned by Connecticut Landmarks and is
open for tours seasonally. We arrived just a little before the noon time
opening on a Thursday which gave us time to wander a little in the grounds. We
have been here before but always while visiting the Coventry Farmers Market on
a Sunday and it is always crazy crowded. It was nice to have the grounds to ourselves
for 15 minutes.
As soon as the open flag came out, we entered the house. We
were soon joined by another couple and the four of us paid our entrance fee and
were taken on a guided tour by Jaelyn.
The tour took about an hour and 15 minutes and covers the
two floors of the house. It begins however outside where a memorial marks the
place where the former foundation of the original house was found. It is not a
grave site for Nathan, his remains have never been found.
Some of the items in the house belonged to members of the Hale family, a couple of them to Nathan specifically. The silver buckles that he had on his shoes when he was getting ready to go on his mission are here, his Lieutenants chest, as well as a chair that he used in his New London schoolhouse.
The tour is a fascinating trip through the history of the
house during the time of the Hale family and also the man responsible for saving
it, George Dudley Seymour. Be sure to
visit the folly he created in the grounds, it is the burial site of his horse,
Thomas Hooker Bones.
Nathan Hale was a very young man when he gave his life for
his country, only 21. He was the first spy recruited in the American Revolution. He was bright
and brave but unfortunately not a very good spy. He was discovered and hung by
the British the day before the Battle of Manhattan. He was dressed in civilian
clothes rather than his captain’s uniform which didn’t give him the right
accorded to soldiers.
The Nathan Hale Homestead does have one very special
treasure that is unique to this site. I am not going to tell you what it is, I
want you to visit here and see it for yourself. Rest assured, it is well worth
visiting to see.
Visit their website to find out the dates and times of
openings and the price of entrance.
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my
country." Nathan Hale
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