fort nathan hale, also known as fort hale park, black rock, is a city park located on the east shore of new haven harbor in new haven, connecticut. it includes the site of a 1659 fort, a revolutionary war-era fort, and a civil war-era fort. the fort was named after nathan hale, connecticut's official hero. since 1921, the site has been owned by the state of connecticut. it has been used as a park and maintained as a historical site by the city of new haven. educational programs are given throughout the year to students attending local schools.