The American Hero: A Sapphick Ode
Artifact IDTL 2026.1.24
Object Type
Poem
Date
1781
Author
Nathaniel Niles
(American, 1741 - 1828)
Printer
Andrew Law
(American, 1749 - 1821)
Place MadeCheshire, Connecticut, United States of America
Medium
bifolium
DimensionsOverall W 8 3/8 in x D 6 3/4 in (21.3 cm x 17.1 cm)
Physical DescriptionPoem by Nathaniel Niles, The American Hero: A Sapphick Ode (Cheshire [CT]: Law, 1781).
Niles, minister and future state congressman from Vermont, was born in Rhode Island,
schooled in Massachusetts, and preached in Connecticut. He wrote this very popular poem valorizing the men who fought on Breed’s Hill (Bunker Hill). The somber 15-stanza ode was set to music and widely sung during the Revolution.
Niles, minister and future state congressman from Vermont, was born in Rhode Island,
schooled in Massachusetts, and preached in Connecticut. He wrote this very popular poem valorizing the men who fought on Breed’s Hill (Bunker Hill). The somber 15-stanza ode was set to music and widely sung during the Revolution.
Historical NoteNiles, minister and future state congressman from Vermont, was born in Rhode Island,
schooled in Massachusetts, and preached in Connecticut. He wrote this very popular poem valorizing the men who fought on Breed’s Hill (Bunker Hill). The somber 15-stanza ode was set to music and widely sung during the Revolution.
Additional Detailsschooled in Massachusetts, and preached in Connecticut. He wrote this very popular poem valorizing the men who fought on Breed’s Hill (Bunker Hill). The somber 15-stanza ode was set to music and widely sung during the Revolution.
Credit LineCourtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.On view