Coltsville National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: Connecticut
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
Hartford experiences all four seasons. It is typically hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a pleasant spring and autumn.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
The Colt Armory Complex next to the CT River with its signature Blue Onion Dome
Credit: NPS Photo
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.
Credit: Nick Caito
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.
Credit: Nick Caito
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.
Credit: Nick Caito
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.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Carriage House is located in Colt Park next to the Gardner House.
Credit: NPS Photo
The statute was built as a memorial to Samuel by his wife, Elizabeth Colt. It was dedicated in 1906 after her passing in 1905.
Credit: Nick Caito
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.
Credit: NPS Photo
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.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
No hours listed.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Sunday, Aug 9
Sunny
High: 82.9°F | Low: 59.4°F
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 11.4 mph
Rain Chance: 7%
UV Index: 7.1
Sunrise: 05:53 AM
Sunset: 08:03 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (9%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 66.4°F
Cloud Cover: 7%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Aug 10
Sunny
High: 79.5°F | Low: 56.9°F
Humidity: 71%
Wind: 9.4 mph
Rain Chance: 36%
UV Index: 6.6
Sunrise: 05:54 AM
Sunset: 08:01 PM
Moon: New Moon (4%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 62.4°F
Cloud Cover: 36%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Aug 11
Sunny
High: 79.8°F | Low: 62.7°F
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 12.1 mph
Rain Chance: 36%
UV Index: 7.6
Sunrise: 05:55 AM
Sunset: 08:00 PM
Moon: New Moon (1%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 64.7°F
Cloud Cover: 36%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Summer Coltsville Tour #1
Please join us as Ranger Alan from Springfield Armory provides the first of five summer outdoor walking tours of Coltsville. Free parking is available at Colt Park in the parking lot off Wawarme Avenue. 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 cancelled.
Date: Jun 27, 2026 12:00am to Jun 27, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Summer Coltsville Outdoor Walking Tour
In partnership with the Colt Park Foundation, please join us as Ranger Alan from Springfield Armory provides a summer outdoor walking tours of Coltsville. Free parking is available at Colt Park in the parking lot off Wawarme Avenue. 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.
Location: Please meet up in front of the Samuel Colt Monument in Colt Park.
Date: Jun 27, 2026 12:00am to Jun 27, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
"Honoring the Spirit of Colt" Colt Monument Rededication Ceremony and Summer Coltsville Outdoor Walking Tour
Please join us as Ranger Alan from Springfield Armory provides a summer outdoor walking tour of Coltsville. Free parking is available at Colt Park in the parking lot off Wawarme Avenue in Hartford. This walking tour is part of the rededication ceremony of the refurbished Samuel Colt Monument, in partnership with the City of Hartford and the Colt Park Foundation. In case of inclement weather, the outdoor walking tour will be rescheduled.
Location: Please meet in front of the Samuel Colt Monument at Colt Park.
Date: Jul 1, 2026 12:00am to Jul 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Summer Outdoor Walking Tour of Coltsville
In partnership with the Colt Park Foundation, please join us as Ranger Alan from Springfield Armory provides a summer outdoor walking tour of Coltsville. Free parking is available at Colt Park in the parking lot off Wawarme 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.
Location: Please meet us in front of the Samuel Colt Monument in Colt Park.
Date: Jul 11, 2026 12:00am to Jul 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Summer Outdoor Walking Tour of Coltsville
In partnership with the Colt Park Foundation, please join us as Ranger Alan from Springfield Armory provides a summer outdoor walking tour of Coltsville. Free parking is available in the parking lot off Wawarme 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.
Location: Please meet us in front of the Samuel Colt Monument in Colt Park.
Date: Aug 8, 2026 12:00am to Aug 8, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Summer Outdoor Walking Tour of Coltsville
In partnership with the Colt Park Foundation, please join us as Ranger Alan from Springfield Armory provides a summer outdoor walking tour of Coltsville. 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.
Location: Please meet us in front of the Samuel Colt Monument in Colt Park.
Date: Aug 22, 2026 12:00am to Aug 22, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
120 Huyshope Ave
Hartford, CT 06106
🏤 Mailing Address:
Coltsville National Historical Park
c/o Springfield Armory National Historic Site
Springfield, MA 01105
📞 Voice Phone: (860) 500-6078
✉️ Email: colt@nps.gov