Nathan Hale, born in Coventry Connecticut in 1755 and educated at Yale University, was designated the official state hero of Connecticut in 1985. Nathan Hale was a captain in the Continental army and volunteered to spy on the British during the American Revolution - he was hanged in 1776 without a trial by the British. The young patriot's immortal last words are etched at the base of the statue at Yale University in New Haven Connecticut (and the replica on Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C.): "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

Source:

The State Hero - Nathan Hale 1755-1776: official CT website

Links:

All State Cultural Symbols