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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Top Sheldon-Charter Oak Hotel Reviews

Extended Stay America Suites Hartford Farmington

10/10 Excellent

"The staff was welcoming and friendly. The clerk noticed that I had booked a handicap room, which I was unaware of, and upgraded me to a regular room without a problem. This location is excellent as it is right off the interstate, and easy access to shops nearby."

Candlewood Suites Windsor Locks Bradley Arpt by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Very happy with our stay here. Staff was great and the room had nice amenities. Loved the lending locker where you can borrow games, books, juicers, etc. Hotel was in a very convenient location with lots of dining options nearby. Highly recommend checking out Doro Marketplace down the street. We would definitely stay here again when we are in the area."

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hartford - Bradley Airport

10/10 Excellent

"Last minute reservation due to an air travel fiasco. Conveniently located to airport with shuttle service to and from. Arrived late in the evening and very tired. Front desk staff was kind and professional. Facilities were clean and in good repair. Bed was comfortable. "

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