Honoring the history of the Revolutionary War at the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry

Hale, considered a state hero of Connecticut and a symbol of patriotism, is best known for the quote, “My only regret is that I could lose but one life for my country.”

Hale was born on the property.

“This is the property where he grew up. And we’re telling the story of a family on the threshold of the American Revolution,” says Anne Marie Charland, site administrator.

Nathan Jedziniak, one of the homestead’s tour guides, told News 12 that the homestead offers people the opportunity to connect with the history of early American patriots like Hale.

At the age of 14, Hale attended Yale University with his brother Enoch and graduated in 1774.

Hale was a teacher before becoming a captain in the army.

“War breaks out and George Washington puts on a play. I need someone to come to New York and tell me how many Brits are there and where they are camped,” says Charland.

Hale accepted the challenge, crossed over to New York and was captured.

“The British treated him very badly and executed him the next day without a trial. Today, Nathan Hale’s story is being told to schoolchildren across the country,” says Jedziniak.

Starting in July, there will be a flag field for heroes on the homestead.

“Every flag is adorned with the honor of his name. And it’s really nice because it gives people a framework to come here and visit their own space,” says Charland.

The homestead is also home to the Coventry Farmers’ Market.

The market takes place every Sunday and is one of the largest in the state.