Fort Nathan Hale

Fort Nathan Hale Where history meets the harbor! Explore Fort Nathan Hale, where New Haven’s history comes to life. Open seasonally for tours, events, and education.

Stroll historic grounds, visit restored bunkers, and enjoy harbor views. Free and family-friendly!

Come check out the fort this saturday and learn about New Haven local historic monuments!
08/06/2025

Come check out the fort this saturday and learn about New Haven local historic monuments!

Join us this month for a very interesting historic Monuments lecture an a sea glass demonstration!
08/03/2025

Join us this month for a very interesting historic Monuments lecture an a sea glass demonstration!

In honor of our Civil War talk today, we wanted to highlight our Civil War drawbridge! Come check it out after you hear ...
07/12/2025

In honor of our Civil War talk today, we wanted to highlight our Civil War drawbridge! Come check it out after you hear about the history of the first ever submarine.

Swing by this slice of living history to see the drawbridge, explore the ramparts, and walk through the portals of time. Fort Nathan Hale’s drawbridge isn't just a bridge—it’s a living tribute to Connecticut’s resilient past. 🇺🇸

In 1863, amid fears of Confederate naval raids, New Haven reinforced the site with Fort Nathan Hale II: a sprawling earthwork equipped with bomb‑proof bunkers, a protective moat, and a functional drawbridge on sliding tracks. Armed with 18 artillery pieces, it was intended to shield the harbor and the city behind it.

The drawbridge served a dual purpose: defensive control and practical access. Lowered, it allowed troops and supplies to move into the fort’s interior. Raised, it cut off entry, leveraging the moat as a natural barrier .

Despite never facing battle, the structure was emblematic of Civil War military engineering—a perfect blend of earthen protection and smart infrastructure .

Today, you can walk across that same reconstructed drawbridge (rebuilt during the Bicentennial), peer into the moat, and imagine the strategic decisions that once protected New Haven. It’s an interactive portal into Civil War-era coastal defense.

Address

36 Woodward Avenue
New Haven, CT
06512

Opening Hours

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

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fort Nathan Hale posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category