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New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine
National Historic Landmark & State Archaeological Preserve
Closed for Restoration
{Prison Yard}
One of Connecticut's
copper mines
(c. 1705-1750s)
Connecticut's first prison
(1773-1827)
The tunnels left behind by miners burrowing deep underground in search of copper ore became Connecticut's first prison in 1773. The General Assembly decided to confine serious criminals - burglars, horse thieves, counterfeiters, forgers - in a working environment as an alternative to the whipping post and other "infamous punishments" of the day. {A mother and daughter walk through the caves}
The presence of copper ore on the site was noted in 1705 and it became one of the first commercial mines in the British Colonies. It was not a money-making venture, however, and work was abandoned in the 1750's.
The first prisoner arrived on December 22, 1773. He escaped 18 days later. Subsequent prisoners were equally resourceful and many escapes -successful and unsuccessful- were to follow. Richard Steele, a "notorious villain and burglarian" held the record of three escapes from New-Gate. Political prisoners were confined here during the Revolutionary War and women were first committed in 1824. Considered costly to run and inhumane, the prison was closed in 1827. Attempts to revive mining failed.
{Lois Viets}
Visitors enter the prison yard through 12' tall walls. The brick guardhouse still stands and houses exhibits, but only ruins remain of the other prison buildings. A modern stairway provides access underground where air temperature is always in the 50's. The visitor center contains a gift shop.
Viets Tavern is the unrestored mid-18th century home of first prison warden, Capt. John Viets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click the link above to find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions at New Gate.
Prisoner List and Reward/Newspaper Articles
Click the link above to find out more about the people who stayed here at New Gate Prison!
Admission Rates
$10 adults
$8 seniors (60 years +) and college students with ID
$6 youth (6-17)
5 and under free
Discounted admission for schools and groups by appointment.
Contact Information
New-Gate Prison and Coppermine
115 Newgate Road
East Granby, CT 06026
860-653-3563
newgate.museum@ct.gov
Lance Kozikowski, Museum Assistant, 860-653-3563
Karin Peterson, Museum Director, 860-256-2760 or karin.peterson@ct.gov
{Exterior stone walls at Old New Gate Prison and Coppermine}
Directions
Old New-Gate Prison is located at 115 Newgate Road, one mile north of Route 20 in East Granby, Connecticut. Newgate Road is about one-half mile from the intersection of Routes 187 and 20 in East Granby.
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