Underneath that blue dome lies the east armory of a factory once owned by a man who changed American history, the innovator of the revolver, Samuel Colt. Sprawling around the crumbling red brickwork of the old Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, once the largest private armory in the world, are the remnants of Coltsville, the utopian village he built for his workers.

A model of 19th century industrial paternalism, Coltsville included a church, a social hall for dances and lectures, workers’ housing, a giant landscaped park home to deer and peacocks, sculpted botanical gardens, and thousands of feet of greenhouses filled with tropical fruit and flowers. Samuel Colt felt such responsibility for the welfare of his workers outside the factory that he went so far as to build Potsdam Village, to replicate the feel of the German village from which he imported his skilled craftsmen to work in his willow ware factory.

The National Park Service began having on-site presence in 2015, with workshops and tours, including up into the Blue Onion Dome which affords magnificent views of downtown Hartford, the Connecticut River and Colt Park, formerly the back yard of Armsmear, Samuel & Elizabeth Colt’s mansion. By 2016, an NPS ranger had taken up residence in the South Armory and was giving walking tours of Coltsville.

The old South, East and North armories are under renovation and the two 1855 brownstone buildings, the oldest structures on site, will become the National Park Service Visitor Center. The armories themselves have been or are being renovated into apartments, offices and education facilities.

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Compare rooms and suites by Independent in Sheldon-Charter Oak with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Front of property

"I loved the boutique atmosphere and the fact that it was in the middle of everything. The staff was amazing."

SAR 815 total

includes taxes & fees

11 May - 12 May

Daily buffet breakfast for a fee

"We throroughtly enjoyed our stay at the Delamar. The staff ws exceptional, the beds were very comfortable, and the area is very walkable."

SAR 1,275 total

includes taxes & fees

26 May - 27 May

Staircase

"Beautifully decorated and very friendly staff. "

SAR 621 total

includes taxes & fees

1 May - 2 May

Interior

"Our favorite place to stay because of the proximity to Avon Old Farms school and the amenities."

SAR 682 total

includes taxes & fees

1 May - 2 May

Front of property - evening/night

"Wonderful staff, close to excellent restaurants within walking distance "

SAR 984 total

includes taxes & fees

11 May - 12 May

View from property

"Great place for a weekend getaway"

SAR 940 total

includes taxes & fees

1 May - 2 May

Lake

"Had a great stay, nice staff and good views. "

SAR 443 total

includes taxes & fees

7 May - 8 May

Free WiFi, bed sheets

"Was quick and easy to get to and was nice that the guy upgraded us to a king bed"

SAR 393 total

includes taxes & fees

8 May - 9 May

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Recent reviews of Sheldon-Charter Oak hotels

Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford

5/5 Excellent

"10/10 will be staying here again"

A verified traveler stayed at Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford

Posted 2 days ago

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