Old Newgate Prison

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Old New-Gate Prison
Old Newgate Prison is located in Connecticut
Location: Newgate Road, East Granby, Connecticut
Coordinates: 41°57′42.89″N 72°44′44.01″W / 41.9619139°N 72.7455583°W / 41.9619139; -72.7455583Coordinates: 41°57′42.89″N 72°44′44.01″W / 41.9619139°N 72.7455583°W / 41.9619139; -72.7455583
Built: 1775
Architect: Unknown
Governing body: State
NRHP Reference#: 70000839
Significant dates
Added to NRHP: October 15, 1970[1]
Designated NHL: November 28, 1972[2]

Old Newgate Prison was a Colonial American prison in what is now East Granby, Connecticut. It is now a historic site.

The prison was originally a copper mine, opened in 1705, and is believed to be the first copper mine in America. After mining operations proved unprofitable, the colony of Connecticut converted it to a prison, like its London namesake Newgate Prison. The first prisoner, John Hinson, was committed for burglary in 1773. Later Tories and Loyalists were held here during the American Revolutionary War. In 1790 it became a state prison, the first such in America. After the prison closed in 1827 mining operations resumed for a time, but since the 1860s it has been mainly a tourist attraction. Nearby Peak Mountain offers a bird's eye view of Old Newgate Prison from the Metacomet Trail.

In 1972 Old Newgate Prison was declared a National Historic Landmark.[2][3] The site is now owned and administered by the State of Connecticut as a museum.

In 2006 an episode of Treasure Hunters sent the contestants to the prison.

It is closed to the public for all of 2010 for restoration.[4]

Postcard from late 1910s, early 1920s
View of same wall as Postcard in 2010

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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