Old Newgate Prison - East Granby CT - Retired Prisons on Waymarking.com

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 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. The site is now owned and administered by the State of Connecticut.

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

Source: (visit link)

Address: Newgate Rd East Granby , CT Open to the public: Yes Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m Closed for restoration in 2011 Fees?: Not listed Web link: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
In order to add a new log to the waymark of this category, simply take another photo of the prison from a different angle than the other posts. Also add to the history of the jail when possible.

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Date Logged Log   04/18/2009 nomadwillie visited it