On September 13th @ 3pm ET, we will be having an unveiling ceremony at New-Gate Prison in East Granby, CT! We will be unveiling a newly installed panel and plaque celebrating this site as the newest edition to the Connecticut Freedom Trail!
Last year, In November 2022, the Connecticut Freedom Trail Committee approved the addition of a “Prince Mortimer Trail“ as a distinct trail within the Connecticut Freedom Trail. The sites include:
547 Main Street in Middletown, CT (The Ropewalk): Upon being purchased by Philip Mortimer in the 1750’s, Prince Mortimer would begin working in his ropewalk… a facility used to make rope for ships. This location is where the Ropewalk once sat.
Rapallo Avenue, Middletown, CT (former walkway to Philip Mortimer's mansion): Philip Mortimer owned a home in Middletown with a long walkway that led to Main Street. Today, that walkway is the approximately location of Rapallo Avenue.
Wethersfield DMV (Wethersfield Prison): Prince Mortimer was imprisoned in 1811, brought to New-Gate Prison in East Granby, CT. In 1827, New-Gate Prison was closed, the prisoners moved to the new state prison in Wethersfield, which is the current location of the Wethersfield Department of Motor Vehicles. Prince would die here in 1834.
Church of the Holy Trinity (location of George Star's former home): Prince Mortimer was sent to prison in 1811, accused of attempting to poison his new enslaver, George Starr… the son-in-law of Philip Mortimer. This is the former location of George Starr’s home.
This ceremony will be the first to occur of the 5 sites.
Hope to see you there!