Historic prison and copper mine complex featuring underground tunnels, reconstructed colonial prison buildings, archaeological exhibits, and immersive tours exploring early American criminal justice and industrial history.
Operating season typically runs from spring through fall
Hours may vary for special events
Seniors: $13
Children ages 6–12: $10
Children under 6: Free
How to Get There
From Hartford (20 mi): Take I-91 north to CT-20 west toward Bradley International Airport, continue to East Granby, then follow Route 189 and Newgate Road to the historic site entrance.
Overview
Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine preserves one of the most unusual and fascinating historic sites in the United States. Established originally as a copper mine in the early eighteenth century, the underground workings were transformed during the Revolutionary era into America's first state prison. Convicts were confined in the dark mine tunnels below ground while guards occupied structures at the surface, creating a penal system unlike any other in the young nation. The site's dramatic setting and unusual history attracted widespread attention during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, with visitors often traveling long distances to witness the infamous prison firsthand.
Today, guests can descend into sections of the original mine, explore reconstructed prison buildings, and examine exhibits detailing mining operations, prisoner life, and the evolution of criminal justice in early America. Archaeological discoveries and historical interpretation help tell the stories of miners, guards, inmates, and local residents whose lives intersected at the site. Perched on a ridge overlooking the Farmington Valley, the historic complex combines dramatic underground spaces with compelling educational experiences, making it one of Connecticut's most distinctive heritage attractions and a memorable destination for history enthusiasts of all ages.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the https://portal.ct.gov/deep/state-parks/parks/old-new-gate-prison-and-copper-mineOld New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
