Did you know there’s an entire district in Hartford that’s in the process of being designated as a national park in Connecticut? Coltsville National Historic District is a 260-acre neighborhood in Connecticut that includes the factory and worker residences of Samuel Colt’s firearm factory. Colt played an important role in transforming the firearm industry and manufacturing in general.

Samuel Colt was born in Hartford. His first business venture was an attempt to sell guns in New Jersey, but his efforts failed. He eventually opened the Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company in Hartford.
Engraving by John Chester Buttre/Wikimedia Commons
Colt greatly improved the design of the revolver to the point that the guns were often nicknamed "Colts." They were a popular weapon during the nation's expansion westward and were also used extensively in the Mexican-American War.
He ended up opening several factories in Hartford including the Colt Armory (pictured) in 1855.
Wikimedia Commons
Around the time he married, Colt built himself a mansion named Armsmear ("meadow of arms"). He and his wife had several large greenhouses and beautiful gardens.
Robert Fulton III/Wikimedia Commons

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Armsmear has a really interesting design and shares some architectural similarities with the Colt Armory, most notably the domed turrets.
Boston Public Library/Flickr
The mansion is now a home for single senior women.
Colt was far ahead of his time with regard to a number of business practices. He was an extremely skilled marketer and was one of the first manufacturers to have success with the assembly line.
Pi3.124/Wikimedia Commons
He also mandated that his employees have a 10-hour workday and one-hour lunch break, both rarities at the time. Coltsville also contained worker housing that he built near his factories.
Colt passed away in 1862. To memorialize him, his widow commissioned a church in his honor. The Church of the Good Shepherd is located within Coltsville.
Grondemar/Wikimedia Commons

This area has such a fascinating history! While this national park in Connecticut is not yet officially opened, you can follow the progress towards its certification on the Coltsville National Historic District website.

What other areas of Connecticut would you like to learn about? What are some of your favorite things to do in Coltsville, Connecticut? Share your opinions in the comments!

If you are searching for another historic site in Connecticut to visit, check out the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington. Here, you will find a fantastic art museum and historic home to explore.

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Coltsville National Historic District

Courtnie Erickson | April 13, 2022

What are some of the best historic sites in Connecticut I should visit?

It doesn’t matter if you are a history buff or you just love learning and exploring interesting places and things, Connecticut has plenty to offer. There are fascinating historic sites all over the state that are just waiting to be explored.

When you are searching for a unique way to spend the afternoon, head to the historic village of Seaport Village. This 19th-century New England seaside town will make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. Make sure you stop at the Mystic Seaport Museum, which is the largest maritime museum in the country. Here, you will find some of the most remarkable exhibits including a large number of restored vessels. Some of these ships date back to the 1800s.

In Farmington, Connecticut, you will find the Stanley-Whitman House. This historic house was built in the early 1700s and is one of the oldest houses in the area. This national historic landmark is a delightful place to visit with plenty to see and do. You can take tours inside and outside of the house and check out the many exhibit and galleries on the property.

Another unique and historic house to visit is the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden in Bethlehem. This house was built in the 1700s by a prominent minister. Today, you can visit this home and the museum housed inside. Make sure you spend some time walking around the five-acre property and exploring the barns, gardens, and more. This is a beautiful place to visit and is a day trip in Connecticut that the entire family will love.

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Coltsville Historic District, Hartford, CT 06106, USA