Hale complained in a letter to a former college classmate of the "remote life in the wilderness called Moodus", and he left East Haddam just before spring to take over the Union Grammar School in the "big city" of New London. Had it not been for the growing war clouds and eventual struggle the schoolhouse on the green at Chapman's Ferry would have been forgotten, as Hale departed with little or no fanfare that winter of 1773. However, the five-month stay and Hale's eventual martyrdom have reserved the building, the story of his unique life, and the inspiration, which he passed on to the people of this nation. "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Nathan Hale's immortal last words on being hanged as a spy by the British in New York on September 22, 1776.

Connecticut state hero, Nathan Hale, taught here in 1774 and 1775, several years after graduating from Yale at the age of eighteen. Hale moved here to take over the Union Grammar School after complaining of the "remote life in the wilderness called Moodus" and leaving East Haddam.

In 1775, Hale enlisted to fight for our independence in the American Revolution, soon after being promoted to the rank of Captain. He was the only soldier to volunteer to spy on the British who had taken control of Long Island when George Washington needed valuable information.

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." were Nathan Hale's immortal last words on being hanged as a spy by the British in New York on September 22, 1776.