New-Gate Prison

New-Gate Prison. Established in 1773 by the Connecticut Colony, this facility was one of the first state prisons in the Thirteen Colonies. It was uniquely constructed within a repurposed copper mine in East Granby, Connecticut, and its early history is deeply intertwined with the American Revolution. The site is now preserved as the New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine museum, a National Historic Landmark administered by the Connecticut Landmarks organization.

History

The site's history began decades before its use as a penitentiary, with the discovery of copper ore leading to the establishment of the Granby Copper Mines in the early 18th century. The venture, which involved investors from London, proved unprofitable and was abandoned by the 1740s. In 1773, the General Assembly of Connecticut passed an act authorizing the conversion of the defunct mine shaft into a place of confinement for "capital offenders, burglars, highway robbers, and counterfeiters." This made it a pioneering institution in the American penal system, predating the famous Walnut Street Prison in Philadelphia. Its operation was overseen by a succession of appointed wardens, who were responsible for security and inmate labor.

Construction and design

The prison's design capitalized on the existing, formidable geography of the abandoned copper mine. The primary cell block was located at the bottom of a 25-foot vertical shaft, which was the only entrance and exit, providing a natural barrier against escape. Above ground, a wooden prison house was constructed, containing guard rooms and additional secure cells. The subterranean chambers were dark, damp, and cold, with inmates confined in caverns secured by iron gates. This innovative, if harsh, use of a mine as a secure enclosure was a distinctive feature in colonial American architecture and penology, relying on the earth itself as the primary wall.

Notable inmates

During its operational years, New-Gate held a variety of prisoners, including several figures notable in early American history. Among them was John Hinson, a notorious counterfeiter whose crimes were a serious concern for colonial authorities. Perhaps most famously, the prison held numerous Loyalists and American war prisoners during the Revolution, including individuals captured at the Battle of Fort St. George. Another significant inmate was Moses Dunbar, a Connecticut man executed for treason after being convicted of recruiting for the British Army. The inmate population also included common criminals, such as burglars and horse thieves, from across the colony.

Role in the American Revolution

With the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, New-Gate's role expanded significantly. The Connecticut government used it to incarcerate political prisoners, primarily Loyalists who posed a threat to the revolutionary cause. It also held British military personnel and American deserters. This period saw the prison become a potent symbol of Patriot authority and a target for Loyalist sympathizers. In 1781, a group of Loyalists, possibly aided by the infamous traitor Benedict Arnold during his raid on New London, attempted a raid to free the prisoners, though it was ultimately unsuccessful.

Closure and legacy

After the war, New-Gate continued to operate as a state prison, but its subterranean conditions were increasingly criticized as inhumane. Following a series of investigations and public outcry, the Connecticut General Assembly authorized the construction of a new, more modern prison in Wethersfield, Connecticut. New-Gate was officially closed in 1827, and its remaining inmates were transferred. The site fell into ruin but was later preserved for its historical significance. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972. Today, the New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine is open to the public as a museum under the stewardship of Connecticut Landmarks, offering tours of the eerie underground cells and exhibits on early American history.

Category:Defunct prisons in Connecticut Category:National Historic Landmarks in Connecticut Category:Buildings and structures in Hartford County, Connecticut