Coltsville National Historical Park

By /
Blue dome atop a large factory behind a river
The Colt Armory Complex next to the CT River with its signature Blue Onion Dome
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photos: National Park Service

About Coltsville National Historical Park

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.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Historical Park
Park State / Territory MembershipConnecticut
Current Alerts2
Visitor Centers0
Campgrounds0
Things To Do4

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

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

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Connecticut. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Current Alerts

Stamp Status

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

Park in Progress

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.

Getting There

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address120 Huyshope Ave, Hartford, CT, 06106
Phone(860) 500-6078
Emailcolt@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

IndustryFactoriesMilitaryArmoriesWars and Conflicts

Things To Do

Coltsville Self-Guided Tours

Coltsville Self-Guided Tours

Explore the sites and history of Coltsville National Historical Park through a self-guided walking tour.

Spend an Afternoon at Colt Park

Spend an Afternoon at Colt Park

Colt Park, once apart of the estate of Samuel Colt and Elizabeth Hart Colt, was deeded to the City of…

The Story of the Colts: Symbolism at the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Parish House

The Story of the Colts: Symbolism at the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Parish House

The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Caldwell Hart Colt Memorial Parish House were commissioned by Elizabeth Hart Jarvis…

Strike a Pose at the Armory

Strike a Pose at the Armory

The Blue Dome and Rampart Colt have long graced the skyline of Hartford and have stood as a symbol of…

Nearby National Park Service Sites

These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.

Nearby Cities for Trip Planning

These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

Discover Coltsville National Historical Park with expert-led tours

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

🏨 Search Lodging for Coltsville National Historical Park

Review lodging results matching this park or site name

Search Booking.com for Coltsville National Historical Park

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Scroll to Top