Old Newgate Prison, Historic prison in East Granby, Connecticut, United States.
Old Newgate Prison is a stone structure with underground tunnels, guard towers, and thick walls built from locally sourced stone during the American colonial period. The facility integrated abandoned mine passages beneath the surface into its prison layout for housing and security purposes.
The facility operated as a state prison from 1773 to 1827, initially converting abandoned copper mine tunnels into subterranean cells for housing inmates. This repurposing of mining spaces into a penal facility represented an innovative solution to growing demands for criminal detention in early America.
The prison shows how early Americans managed criminals through confined spaces and surveillance, with preserved cells and work areas from the 18th century. Visitors can observe how daily life unfolded within these walls and what conditions inmates endured.
Visitors can explore the grounds independently or join guided tours offered from May through October. The underground areas require climbing stairs and can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear and a flashlight are recommended for a safer visit.
Before becoming a prison, the site was Connecticut's first copper mine with tunnels extending roughly 20 meters (67 feet) below ground. The abandoned mining operation was transformed into a detention facility once the copper reserves ran out.
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