During the Revolutionary War, New York was the only American city that remained under British occupation for nearly the entire time that the war was being waged. It also suffered more damage than any other city.
The New York Battles of 1776
After withdrawing from Boston in 1776, the British commander-in-chief, General William Howe focused on capturing New York City. 20,000 American troops, under General George Washington, were positioned in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan. British troops were stationed on Staten Island and in August 1776, 22,000 more arrived at Long Island. After the battle of August 17th, the Revolutionary Army fell back to Brooklyn Heights and retreated across the East River.
After a failed peace conference on September 11th, Washington accepted the advice of his advisers to abandon the city. He withdrew his troops on September 12th. Howe resumed the attack and captured lower Manhattan on September 15th, while the American troops withdrew to Harlem Heights. They held their ground until October when they fell back to White Plains, where another decisive battle was fought.
The Fire of 1776
The British occupied Manhattan for the remainder of the war. The Bayard Sugar House on Wall Street became a jail where the British kept Prisoners of War. On September 21st a fire broke out at The Fighting Cocks Tavern on Whitehall Street. It soon spread and by early morning it had consumed Trinity Church at Trinity Place.
By the time the fire burned out, over 500 houses were destroyed. This was a quarter of all the houses in the city. The British suspected arson and rounded up two hundred men and women for questioning.
The Story of Nathan Hale
Among the people who were arrested was a young captain of the Continental Army by the name of Nathan Hale who admitted to being an American spy. Disguised as a Dutch schoolteacher, Hale attempted to infiltrate New York British ranks to gather intelligence on the enemy's Long Island military installations.
Nathan Hale had been a Latin teacher before signing up to join the Revolutionary Army and rising to the rank of captain. When the British searched him, they found a list of British military equipment written in Latin and hidden in his boot.
Nathan Hale was hanged the next morning on September 22nd, at a gallows that was believed to be erected at 63rd Street and First Avenue (there is a plaque on this spot commemorating the event). He is best known for his purported last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." In 1985 he was designated the state hero of Connecticut.
The Statue of Nathan Hale
The statue of Nathan directly faces City Hall and honors the last moment of this hero of the Revolutionary War. The bronze figure, which stands 13 feet high was sculpted by Frederick MacMonnies (1863-1937). It rests on a granite base and depicts Hale's last pre-dawn moments as he was led shackled and bound to the gallows.
Security around City Hall is tight. In order to see the statue and the interior of the City Hall historic building, one needs to book an appointment online. One can also book a tour by calling 313 or 212-New-York from outside the city.
Every year there is a gathering by the Sons of the Revolution at this site, commemorating the anniversary of Hale's death. The statue is easily missed as it faces City Hall's entrance Plaza, which is set back from the street. City Hall is a National Historic Landmark and is located between Broadway, Park Row and Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan.
References:
Phelps, M. William. Nathan Hale: The Life and Death of America's First Spy. St. Martin's Press. New York: 2008.
Knudsen, Shannon, Shannon Zemlicka and Craig Orback. Nathan Hale: Patriot Spy. Lerner Publishing Group. Minneapolis: 2002.
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