Coltsville National Historical Park

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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 memorial statue of a young and adult Samuel Colt
The statute was built as a memorial to Samuel by his wife, Elizabeth Colt. It was dedicated in 1906 after her passing in 1905.
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.

Quick Facts

State Connecticut
Designation National Historical Park
State Code CT
Weather Hartford experiences all four seasons. It is typically hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a pleasant spring and autumn.

Location & Map

Coltsville National Historical Park is located in Connecticut.

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

Address 120 Huyshope Ave, Hartford, CT, 06106
Phone (860) 500-6078
Email colt@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Industry Factories Military Armories Wars 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.

The East Armory Complex is the hub of all our self-guided tours. From here you'll begin your tour or be…

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…

Colt Park offers many different recreational opportunities that will appeal to individuals of all ages. From a playground to numerous…

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…

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

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…

The East Armory Complex, while not open to the public, can be seen from various locations in Hartford. Parking is…

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