250 Years Ago, Nathan Hale's Boss, Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton, Had Plenty Of Hero In Him Too

ASHFORD, CT — Nathan Hale might be Connecticut's official state hero, but his boss in the Revolutionary war certainly has a similar contribution.

Hale served under Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton, an Ashford resident who commanded one of the Continental Army's earliest intelligence units and was killed during the Battle of Harlem Heights in 1776.

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Ashford residents and others gathered Saturday at Knowlton Memorial Hall to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Knowlton's death and recognize his contributions to the American Revolution.

Knowlton was killed Sept. 16, 1776, during the Battle of Harlem Heights in New York. He commanded Knowlton's Rangers, a reconnaissance and intelligence unit established under Gen. George Washington. The unit is considered by the U.S. Army to have played an important role in the development of American military intelligence.

Knowlton was mortally wounded during the battle. According to accounts of his final moments, he told an officer assisting him, "I do not value my Life if we do but get the Day."

The Americans ultimately held their position and forced the British to retreat.

Knowlton was born in Ashford and had already gained military experience before the Revolution. He served in the French and Indian War at age 16 and later became an Ashford selectman and farmer.

During the Revolutionary War, he fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill before taking command of Knowlton's Rangers.

Saturday's commemoration included retired Lt. Col. John DellaGuistina of the Military Intelligence Corps Association, who traveled from Arizona for the event.

Joyce Knowlton, a descendant of Thomas Knowlton, also attended the ceremony with her fife and drum corps.

Connecticut also recently recognized Knowlton through two separate honors.

Sept. 19 was designated Lt. Col. Thomas W. Knowlton Day in Connecticut through legislation sponsored by state Sen. Jeff Gordon and state Rep. Pat Boyd.

In June, a portion of U.S. 44 in Ashford was named in Knowlton's honor. A commemorative event was held at the June Norcross Webster Scout Camp, and a sign now marks the designation near the intersection of U.S. 44 and Route 89.

A statue honoring Knowlton stands on the grounds of the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford.

Although Knowlton is less widely known than Hale, his service placed him at the center of the Continental Army's early intelligence operations. His command of Knowlton's Rangers helped establish a military intelligence tradition that continues to be associated with his name.