America's first copper mine and first prison offers unique history
Twenty miles north of Hartford in East Granby Connecticut, The Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine offers a unique history you can only find in New England. The site began life as a copper mine in 1707 when the then town of Simsbury voted to mine recently discovered copper deposits on the property. A vertical shaft was dug almost 70 feet down, and horizontal tunnels were dug chasing the ore up to 1100 feet away. Always a manual operation, ore was transported to the surface with buckets.
Never profitable the Colony of Connecticut thought that the mine might prove a better prison, and so they committed their first prisoner in 1773. During the revolution, George Washington sent court martialed soldiers to be imprisoned here. The site also held loyalists who fought against independence as well as British prisoners of war. In 1790 – it became the new nations first state prison and operated as such until 1827 when the prisoners were transferred to other more modern (and humane) locations.
Never profitable the Colony of Connecticut thought that the mine might prove a better prison, and so they committed their first prisoner in 1773. During the revolution, George Washington sent court martialed soldiers to be imprisoned here. The site also held loyalists who fought against independence as well as British prisoners of war. In 1790 – it became the new nations first state prison and operated as such until 1827 when the prisoners were transferred to other more modern (and humane) locations.
During its life as a prison, Newgate saw riots, and escape attempts, some successful, and others not - with two of the unfortunates still buried in the rubble of the the mine. Various money making endeavors have taken place on the property over the centuries - including a try at forced prison labor manufacturing nails an other products. But very early on - the site was a tourist attraction - even when there were prisoners there.
Closed for 9 years, the site has recently undergone a restoration and re-opened July 14th, 2018.
Closed for 9 years, the site has recently undergone a restoration and re-opened July 14th, 2018.
The tour of the grounds is self guided, but there are friendly and knowledgeable guides on site who are excited to share the evolution of this important historic location.
You'll know you're at the prison when you spot the imposing 12 foot high stone walls surrounding the property. Below is the view of the front gate as seen from the roadside in Google Maps.
Originally just a shaft in the ground, it was determined that escapes could be made more difficult by building guardhouse over the pit. You'll get a firsthand look at how the guards lived when the prison was in operation so long ago.
The whipping post reminds you that this prison was operated in a different time....
Above ground ground holding cells and workshops were built in the early 1800's, their remains can be seen today. The prison operated as a work house making nails, shoes and other items that were sold throughout the state.
The prison has a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding Connecticut countryside, but once you're done exploring topside - it's time to descend into the mines - where the prisoners slept.
Tours are conducted by a knowledgeable guide who will share mine history as you tour underground. While there is lighting down there, they have small LED flashlights that are available to borrow to help light the path in dark corners.
Note of caution - these mines are 'rustic'! The first thing you'll notice is that it is cool. It remains a constant 52 degrees down there - so even on the hottest summer day - bring a sweater if you're prone to get cold. It's also wet - so have some sneakers you can put on with good non-slip soles.
If you get claustrophobic - you might be uncomfortable with some parts of the walkway where the roof is only 4 feet high.....but the trip down through this unique New England history is so captivating, you'll want to push on through to the finish!
The New England skill, engineering, determination and sheer grit are displayed all throughout this amazing tunnel system.
At the main entrance you'll find a well stocked gift shop, courteous staff, spotless bathrooms and answers to your questions.
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Video from FOX61: After 9 years, the Old Newgate Prison in East Granby reopens POSTED 5:06 PM, JULY 14, 2018, BY TAYLOR DICHELLO,
UPDATED AT 07:30AM, JULY 15, 2018 |
See more photos of Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine on Flickr HERE
Learn more about the copper mine and prison before you visit: Listen to a 30 minute podcast from Ben Franklin's World: Episode 195: Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine.
What else is nearby?
There's lots more to see and do in the area - much of it free - so check the map below and get out and 'make a day of it'! If you think a family friendly attraction needs to be added to the map, click 'suggest a place' at the top of the page and let us know so we can share!