Some of the most interesting spots to explore are places that were ultimately failures. The Old Newgate Prison is one of those places. Long ago, it was a copper mine that failed to produce much copper. It was also a prison for many years, and it failed to be cost-effective or humane. More copper mining efforts followed and they too failed. Ultimately, this place was abandoned. Today, the Old Newgate Prison is finally finding some success – as a tourist attraction that shares historical stories of what went right and what went wrong at Old Newgate.

You'll find the ruins of the Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine Archaeological Preserve in East Granby. It's operated by the State of Connecticut.
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Staff at the site lead tours into the old mines, which date to the early 1700s. There are 33 steps that take you down to a landing which is 35 feet below ground. You then follow a 100-yard-loop that drops as low as 75 feet below ground. You can only enter the mine if you're on a tour.
After the copper mines initially failed to produce, the site became a prison in 1776 to hold prisoners of war from the American Revolutionary War. It later became a state prison and the site was infamous for inhumane treatment.
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The prison was finally closed in 1827 and the remaining prisoners were transferred to another location. The copper mine was revived in 1830, but it failed once again and was abandoned.
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Many artifacts have been unearthed at this site and they provide details of the hard life led by prisoners here. These utensils were made from old nails.
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You can take a self-tour of the prison ruins. Exhibits of the site are housed in the guard house, which still stands.
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The Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine Archaeological Preserve is listed as a State Archeological Preserve and a national Historic Landmark. Connecticut is a state with many amazing ruins. Here are some more sites you need to explore.

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115 Newgate Rd, East Granby, CT 06026, USA