Background

Fort Nathan Hale: A Historical Bastion

Explore centuries of American history at this New Haven landmark, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War.

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Fort Nathan Hale, a 20-acre city park on New Haven Harbor's east shore, protects the port of New Haven and features the Black Rock Fort from the Revolution and a Civil War-era fort. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the site's history.

A brief summary to Fort Nathan Hale

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday for a less crowded experience.
  • Bring a camera to capture the scenic views of the coastline and Long Island Sound.
  • Check for special events or guided tours to enhance your visit.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots around the fort.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Fort Nathan Hale via public transportation, take a Metro-North or Amtrak train to New Haven Union Station. From there, you can catch a CT Transit bus. Several bus routes serve the area near Fort Nathan Hale. Check the CT Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single fare for CT Transit is $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown New Haven or Union Station, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) offers a convenient way to reach Fort Nathan Hale. The ride typically takes around 10 minutes. Expect to pay between $12 and $20, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take Exit 50 (from the west) or Exit 51 (from the east) and follow the signs to Fort Nathan Hale. Parking is available on site. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of Fort Nathan Hale

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Discover more about Fort Nathan Hale

Fort Nathan Hale, located on the eastern shore of New Haven Harbor in Connecticut, is a historic site with layers of American military history. The site, now a 20-acre city park, has played a role in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. The original fort, Black Rock Fort, was constructed in 1776 to protect New Haven harbor from the British. It was captured in 1779 by British forces. Reconstructed in time for the Bicentennial, it was the scene of a colorful opening ceremony on July 5, 1976. In the early 1800s, a new fortification was erected and named Fort Nathan Hale. During the War of 1812, Fort Hale's cannons successfully defended against British raiders. In 1863, a new Fort Hale was built to defend against Confederate raiders, but it saw no action during the Civil War. Today, visitors can explore the reconstructed Black Rock Fort and the partially restored Civil War-era Fort Nathan Hale. The site offers walking trails with interpretive signage, a pavilion, and a playground. Educational programs are available for students, and the Fort Nathan Hale Restoration Projects, Inc. (FNHRP) helps maintain and promote the site. Fort Nathan Hale was declared a Landmark and Historic site by the New Haven Preservation Trust and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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