Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine

Facts below are drawn from the linked sources.

Real history

The copper mine was chartered in 1707 and used as a prison from 1773 to 1827 (Wikipedia).

Ghost stories

These are reported legends, not verified events. The creepiness score (1–5) is Spook Atlas's own editorial rating, not a measurement.

Then and now

Public access

Partly open The state museum's 2026 season ran May 8–Oct. 31, with Friday–Sunday hours and a 30-minute mine tour; the museum and mine are closed off-season and after hours, but the exterior perimeter of the prison walls and the picnic area stay open (CT Dept. of Economic and Community Development, DECD FAQ). Last checked: Nov 1, 2026.

Explore more

• More places in East Granby and Connecticut
• More haunted & abandoned prisons
• More haunted & abandoned underground places
• More haunted & abandoned museums
• Nearby: Mark Twain House (Hartford, CT), The Conjuring House (Old Arnold Estate) (Burrillville, RI), Seaside Sanatorium (Waterford, CT), New London Ledge Light (New London, CT)

⚠️ Please read: This information may be outdated and conditions change. Verify access with the owner or operator before you go. Spook Atlas does not encourage trespassing. Entering private, closed or condemned property can be illegal and dangerous. Report a correction.

Reader experiences

Not yet accepting submissions. Reader stories are coming later; this form is switched off and sends nothing. All stories are moderated before they appear. Posts describing trespassing, break-ins or how to get into closed areas are removed.