Overview
Old New-Gate is currently closed for the season and will re-open in May, 2020.
Stay tuned for more details.
Established in 1705, Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine is the site of the first operating copper mine in the North American Colonies. The mine had little success, and by the 1750s all mining activity had ceased. In 1773, the colony of Connecticut acquired the copper mine to be used as a workhouse and prison for convicted criminals, including British Loyalists. The State of Connecticut abandoned New-Gate Prison in 1827 because it was considered inhumane and costly to run. The property became a popular tourist destination during the early to mid-20th century after mining attempts had again failed in the mid-19th century. In 1968 the State of Connecticut re-acquired Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine to be operated as a prison museum. Today, Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine is listed as a National Historic Landmark and State Archaeological Preserve. The museum strives to engage with historic and contemporary issues through exploration and discovery of the site as a copper mine, prison, and tourist attraction.
Contact Information
Phone: 860-653-3563
Email: Newgate.Museum@ct.gov
Site Manager- 860-655-1591 / Morgan.Bengel@ct.gov
Related Resources
Take an aerial tour of Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine
Take a virtual tour of the copper mine
Schedule photography, filming, or other special events at the museum
Transcript of 1800 Connecticut Courant escape attempt article
Transcript of 1801 escape attempt report by prison keeper Thomas Shelden
Transcript of 1815 Connecticut Courant editorial
Transcript of 1819 Connecticut Courant reward notice for escaped convicts