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Blue dome atop a large factory behind a river Photo: NPS Photo

Coltsville National Historical Park

National Historical Park · Connecticut

When Samuel Colt started his Hartford factory on the banks of the Connecticut River in 1847, it followed years of mismanagement and failure.

Plan your visit Directions
  • LocationHartford, CT
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • Weather now65°F Overcast
  • Alerts 2 active alerts

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.

Topics
  • Armories
  • Factories
  • Industry
  • Military
  • Wars and Conflicts
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. — Nick Caito

Alerts (2)

Park ClosurePark in Progress Coltsville NHP is working toward establishment and is not yet an official park. We do not have a Visitor Center and visi… Read more

Coltsville NHP is working toward establishment and is not yet an official park. We do not have a Visitor Center and visitor services are limited. For more information please visit our Park Development and Calendar pages.

More on NPS.gov
InformationStamp Status

Unfortunately, since we are not an official park yet, we do not currently have a park stamp.

Things to Do

4 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.

Showing 4 of 4

Plan Your Visit

Hours

No hours listed. Check the official park website before you go.

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

120 Huyshope Ave
Hartford, CT 06106

Get directions Map & directions info

Contact the park

Weather & conditions

65°F
Overcast · feels like 62°
  • Today 67° 55°
    Sunny
    17% rain
  • Tomorrow 78° 59°
    Sunny
    10% rain
  • Thursday 63° 52°
    Sunny
    7% rain

Updated 1 hr ago

What to expect by season

Hartford experiences all four seasons. It is typically hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a pleasant spring and autumn.

Upcoming Events

1 coming up

  • Outdoor Walking Tour of Coltsville

    10:00 AM–12:00 PM Please meet us in front of the Samuel Colt Monument in Colt Park. Free

    About

    Please join us as Ranger Chris from Springfield Armory provides a free outdoor walking tour of Coltsville. Learn about the history of Coltsville and see how Sam and Elizabeth Colt's generorosity continues to have a postive impact on the life of Hartford's citizens.

    Free parking is available in the parking lot off Wararme Avenue in Hartford. The tour will start and end in front of the Samuel Colt Monument in Colt Park. In case of inclement weather, the walking tour will be rescheduled. 

Photos

  • 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. — Nick Caito
  • A tan and brown building, built in the Italian Villa style with rounded arches and balconies.
  • A tan and brown building with numerous design elements meant resemble a ship, against a blue sky.
  • A red brown building with a wooden enclosed spaced in front of trees on a cloudy day.
  • A statue of a young and an adult Samuel Colt in front of a tree with a cloudy sky.
1 more photo

Getting There

120 Huyshope Ave
Hartford, CT 06106

Coltsville NHP is located in Hartford, Connecticut in the heart of the Sheldon/Charter Oak Neighborhood. See our directions page for how to get here.

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

Mailing address: Coltsville National Historical Park, Springfield, MA 01105

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