On September 22, 1776, Nathan Hale was executed without a trial after he was caught spying on British troops on Long Island during the Revolutionary War. He was only 21 years old.

Hale was an American soldier and spy for the Continental Army. He volunteered for intelligence but was captured. Hale is most famous for his last word before he hanged:

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

He has long been considered a hero in the US of A, and in 1985 was officially designated as the “state hero of Connecticut.”

Yes, that’s a real thing. I didn’t know, either, until I did some research.

Fun fact: Nathan was sent to Yale at the age of 14, graduated with honors at the age of 18 and became a teacher. He first joined a local militia in 1775 once the war began. Just a few days after July 4, 1775, Hale accepted a commission as first lieutenant in the 7th Connecticut Regiment.

Though many only know Hale for his famous last words, upon further investigation it seems Hale had quite a bit of brains behind them.

But what would you expect?

 

What would your last words be if you had been caught spying and were about to be hanged? Share in the comments!