This is a historical narration presented as part of Huntington's celebration of 250 years of American independence. No agenda or minutes were available, and the record contains no public comments or board actions.
Welcome to this Liberty Minute, part of Huntington's celebration of 250 years of American independence. After the American loss at the Battle of Long Island in August 1776, George Washington asked for a volunteer to gather intelligence on British activities on Long Island. Washington had escaped to Manhattan. Nathan Hale, a 21-year-old school teacher and Yale graduate, volunteered to undertake the mission. He came by boat from Norwalk, Connecticut to the shores of Huntington Bay in September 1776. A few days later, after gathering information on the British, he was captured by Robert Rogers, who commanded a unit of British Rangers. Hale was taken to Manhattan, where he was hanged. The first was a column erected on Main Street in front of the library. The second was a large boulder moved to the beach where it was thought Hale had landed to start his mission. The boulder was moved inland to the head of Huntington Harbor in 1974. Hale is remembered for his last words, which were purported to have been I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. Thanks to the sacrifices of generations of Huntington Patriots, liberty endures.