Today in History

September 22, 1776

Nathan Hale Executed

On September 21, 1776, British forces on the island of New York captured American spy Nathan Hale who had slipped behind the enemy front to report on British movements.

The city was in flames and the British rounded up scores of citizens. Hale carried incriminating papers on him and was tricked by a British loyalist pretending to be an American patriot into confession.

On September 22, 1776, British officers presided over Hale's execution by hanging. Tradition has it that the American's last words were "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country." Nathan Hale was 21 years old at his death.

You are free to use this content in your own newsletters and emails with your clients. Travel Research Online is a free service to all professional travel agents offering more than 650 destination guides, epostcards and other marketing and research tools.