Fort Nathan Hale

Fort Nathan Hale is a fortified site on the eastern shore of New Haven Harbor featuring military structures built across multiple centuries. The grounds contain the remains of fortifications with different designs reflecting the defensive strategies used at different times.

The original fort was built in 1776 to defend New Haven against British attacks from the sea, but it fell to British forces in 1779 who destroyed much of the structure. New fortifications were later constructed on the same site to meet changing military needs over the following decades.

The site honors Nathan Hale, a Connecticut patriot whose legacy shapes how locals understand their regional identity. Visitors experience how the place continues to serve as a gathering point for learning about the people and events that shaped the area.

The site is accessible on foot and provides guide materials at the main building for self-guided exploration. Plan to visit during warmer months when all areas are fully open and the grounds are easiest to walk around.

The grounds preserve remains of three separate fortification systems that show how military design evolved over generations. Each layer tells a different story about the defensive challenges of its era.

Location: Connecticut

GPS coordinates: 41.27056,-72.90417

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00