It’s the home of one of the country’s oldest copper mines and oldest state prisons. The guy who minted America’s very first copper coins is from here. Such are some of the claims to fame of this very old town –East Granby, CT. This is a two-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission in the familiar white lettering on a blue background. It has different inscriptions on both sides. It’s located on a grassy area near the East Granby Town Hall. The sign was dedicated in 1980 and remains in good condition. It has a brief history of the town on the front side, and some biographical sketches of some of it’s famous citizens on the other side. Side One This area, first settled in 1664, was one of four Congregational parishes in Simsbury. The Turkey Hills Ecclesiastical Society in 1786 became a section of Granby, and in 1858 was incorporated as the Town of East Granby. An unusual geographical feature, a basalt ridge dividing the Town lengthwise, has had considerable influence upon its character. The first incorporated copper mine in America was on the western side of this Talcott Range. The mine subsequently became New Gate Prison, a Revolutionary War jail and the first state prison in the United States(1790). Farming has always been the mainstay of the Town. The early twentieth century saw local farmers specializing in dairy products and tobacco. The number of operating farms diminished as the population of the Town increased from 838 in 1858 to 4600 in 1979 but the rural character of East Granby remains. Side Two These local citizens were but a few of the many who have left their mark upon the history on this Nation: JOHNGRIFFIN(1605 — 1681) — First settler and first military officer in this area. SAMUELHIGLEY(1687 — 1737) — Doctor and artist, who minted the first copper coins in America and pioneered in the manufacture of steel. CAPTAINJOHNVIETS(1712 — 1777) — First keeper of New Gate Prison WHITFIELDCOWLES(1764 — 1840) — Entrepreneur, minister, and farmer, who founded one of the first companies to silver-plate spoons(1843). EUNICEGRISWOLDPINNEY(1770 — 1849) — Well known artist who worked with water colors. WALTERFORWARD(1783 — 1852) — Lawyer and Secretary of the Treasury for President Tyler. LEMUELCICEROHOLCOMB(1795 — 1876) — Conducted a boys school specializing in Greek and Latin. ALBERTCARLOSBATES(1865 — 1954) — Farmer, librarian, author, and historian. Erected by the Town of East Granby the East Granby Historical Society and the Connecticut Historical Commission 1980
