Coltsville National Historical Park

National Historical Park · CT · nps.gov page

Blue dome atop a large factory behind a river
The Colt Armory Complex next to the CT River with its signature Blue Onion DomePhoto: NPS Photo

When Samuel Colt started his Hartford factory on the banks of the Connecticut River in 1847, it followed years of mismanagement and failure. Soon, demand for Colt's revolver would change his fortunes and the Colt empire was born. Following Colt's untimely death in 1862, his wife, Elizabeth Colt, would lead the company to its legendary status, and influence Hartford for over 40 years.

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News

  • Image of Springfield Armory along with text describing the Forging Freedom special event
    Springfield Armory National Historic Site Hosts Free Forging Freedom Celebration

    Join us August 29th from 10am to 3pm at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site for "Forging Freedom"- a full day of excitement, history and hands-on experiences! Kids can become Junior Rangers, enjoy free ice cream and explore interactive exhibits. Families can experience re-enactments, see military vehicles up close and even watch a Black Hawk helicopter land on the Armory Green!

Photos

The Blue Onion Dome of the Armory and the spire of the Church against a cloudy blue sky.
The Blue Onion Dome was rebuilt after the fire in February of 1864. Today it graces the skyline of Hartford, just as the the Church of the Good Shepherd does, reminding those who see if of the Colts and their legacy.Photo: Nick Caito
A church and trees against the backdrop of a bight blue sky and clouds.
The Church of the Good Shepherd was built by Elizabeth Colt as memorial to her husband, Samuel Colt, and their three children who passed in infancy. It was designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter and dedicate in 1869.Photo: Nick Caito
A tan and brown building, built in the Italian Villa style with rounded arches and balconies.
Armsmear was the family home of Samuel and Elizabeth Colt built between 1856 and 1857. It would remain the family home, until the death of Elizabeth in 1905. Today it is a non-profit organization that provides housing for senior women of limited means.Photo: Nick Caito
A tan and brown building with numerous design elements meant resemble a ship, against a blue sky.
The Caldwell Memorial Parish House was built in memory of Caldwell Colt, Elizabeth and Samuel's son. It was designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter and dedicated in 1896.Photo: NPS Photo
A red brown building with a wooden enclosed spaced in front of trees on a cloudy day.
The Carriage House is located in Colt Park next to the Gardner House.Photo: NPS Photo
A statue of a young and an adult Samuel Colt in front of a tree with a cloudy sky.
The statue was built as a memorial to Samuel Colt by his wife, Elizabeth Colt. It was dedicated in 1906 after her passing in 1905. The statue serves as a reminder the role the Colts had in the development of the City of Hartford.Photo: NPS Photo
A white stone building with multiple windows and three chimneys with green grass and a black fence.
Twenty worker houses were built behind the Colt Firearm Armory in 1856. These houses provided a living space for the workers of the Colt Factory.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.