East Granby in Capitol Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Healthy but Hungry
| | Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine | |
Photographed by Michael Herrick, May 31, 2024
1. Healthy but Hungry Marker
In 1805, the state organized the construction of this now ruinous three-story building. This multi-use structure served as a kitchen, storeroom, shoe shop, and makeshift hospital for sick or injured prisoners. Firsthand accounts from prisoners, guards, and inspectors claim that New-Gate was a "healthy" place to be imprisoned. While the word "healthy" and "underground prison" do not seem to go together, it appears from context that prisoners at New-Gate did not experience the continual spread of disease that affected other prisons. Officials attributed this to New-Gate's isolated location and cool air conditions of the mine.
"This prison, notwithstanding its forbidding and Godforsaken character, had some redeeming features. It was a healthy place, and when the country around was smitten with pestilential fevers, malignant dysenteries, or miasmatic diseases, every prisoner continued healthy."
William Stuart (New-Gate Inmate), Sketches of the Life of William Stuart, 1854
Early 19th century concepts of health challenge today's definitions. Although the prisoners may not have been infected with diseases, they were surely
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"Though the general health of the prisoners has been good they are very generally afflicted with swollen legs and with tumors on their legs which frequently become running sores."
New-Gate Prison Special Committee Report, 1810
( photo captions )
Aerial view of ruins facing east and showing historic fireplace. Date Unknown.
A knife and fork crudely fashioned out of nail rod were recovered during the 2013 excavation around Old New-Gate's guardhouse. Photograph courtesy of PAST.
Erected by Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.
Location. 41° 57.711′ N, 72° 44.704′ W. Marker is in East Granby
Photographed by Michael Herrick, May 31, 2024
2. Healthy but Hungry Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley, in Greater Hartford, and in the Knowledge Corridor. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Hartford County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: School for Crime (here, next to this marker); Religious Reform (a few steps from this marker); Prison Tourism (a few steps from this marker); Escape, Build, Repeat (a few steps from this marker); Secure Ore Not Secure (a few steps from this marker); Daily Needs (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Newgate Prison & Copper Mine (within shouting distance of this marker); Prison Work (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Granby.
Also see . . .
1. Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine - CTVisit. (Submitted on June 16, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, East Granby - State of Connecticut. (Submitted on June 16, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
3. Old New-Gate Prison (Wikipedia). (Submitted on June 16, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 16, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
