Originally begun as a copper mine in the early 1700's.  In 1773 Newgate was first used  to house serious criminals.  The first prisoner John Hinson was committed for burglary  in 1773. Later Tories and Loyalists were held here during the Revolutionary War. It was the first State Prison in America.  Newgate ceased operating as a prison in 1827 and re-opened as mine at that time.  In 1976 NewgatePrison was declared a National Historic Landmark. Old Newgate Prison is one of the leading tourist attractions in Connecticut. Newgate is owned and administered by the State of Connecticut...