A prison, a mill, a castle, a religious retreat and a quarry – what could they possibly have in common? Outside of the cities, deep in the woods, there are some abandoned places in Connecticut. They aren’t just lacking residents, these places have been isolated for years. Some have been forgotten and some just neglected for so long. They have succumbed to nature and started to crumble back down into the earth. These ruins will take you back in time to a place deep in the past.
1. Hearthstone Castle at Tarrywile State Park, Danbury
Hearthstone Castle in Danbury was built as a grand summer home in 1897. It was quite extravagant with 17 rooms - nine of which were bedrooms. The home passed through three different families' hands before being abandoned. As the years have passed, this once gorgeous castle has become enveloped with vines and continues to slowly crumble to the ground.
This old stone quarry was productive from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s. As one of the older quarrys in Connecticut, it supplied stone to Hartford for a long time. Now the ruins of the buildings are a colorful landscape of grafitti. The bright paint is a big contrast to its natural surroundings.
Many are familiar with the tale of Captain William Kidd possibly burying treasure on Charles Island. Fewer people know that there are ruins located within the woods. The tumbling stone is remnants of the Aquinas Retreat which was developed on the island for a short time in the 1930s. There was a chapel, dining hall and some small cabins that you can still see traces of in the woods.
In use from 1773 to 1827, this prison was in existence before Connecticut even became a state. For several years it contained prisoners of war from the Revolutionary War. In 1790, it became a state prison and was the first of its kind in the United States. In 1827, the prison closed its doors and the process of decay began.
Factory Hollow, which was later renamed Gay City, erected its first mill in 1811. Other shops and factories were built quickly after. In the latter part of the 1800s, the main mill burnt down and was never reconstructed. The residents began to move on to healthier areas with employment and the town began to collapse. You can still view some stone foundations and walls within the woods.
Once glorious, these ruins have seen better days – yet they are still oddly enchanting. Have you ever visited any of these places? Or do you know of a hidden ruin in Connecticut that you want to share? Let us know, we would love to hear from you.
