Nathan Hale Was Executed When He Was Only 21

Next up in the list of facts about Nathan Hale is that he was executed when he was only 21. Hale was sent to New York City after his capture and put to death there. There are numerous spots where he may have been put to death, but the precise location is still a mystery. Hale was unquestionably incredibly brave and devoted to the American war for independence despite his youth. He is quoted as saying, "I only lament that I have but one life to give for my nation," just before he was hanged. Whether he actually said this or not has been contested, but there is no denying that he pledged his unwavering support to the struggle for freedom from the British Empire.

Spies were executed by hanging since they were considered illegal combatants under the standards of the day. By all accounts, Hale behaved admirably prior to the hanging. On the morning of September 22, 1776, Hale was carried along Post Road to the Park of Artillery, which was close to the Dove Tavern located at Third Avenue and 66th Street in modern-day New York, where he was hanged. He was a man of age, 21.