Blue dome atop a large factory behind a river
The Colt Armory Complex next to the CT River with its signature Blue Onion Dome NPS Photo

Coltsville National Historical Park

National Historic Site · Connecticut · National Park Service

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.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
(860) 500-6078
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Industry · Factories · Military · Armories · Wars and Conflicts

Photos

  • The Blue Onion Dome of the Armory and the spire of the Church against a cloudy blue sky.
    Nick Caito
  • A church and trees against the backdrop of a bight blue sky and clouds.
    Nick Caito
  • A tan and brown building, built in the Italian Villa style with rounded arches and balconies.
    Nick Caito
  • A tan and brown building with numerous design elements meant resemble a ship, against a blue sky.
    NPS Photo
  • A red brown building with a wooden enclosed spaced in front of trees on a cloudy day.
    NPS Photo
  • A statue of a young and an adult Samuel Colt in front of a tree with a cloudy sky.
    NPS Photo
  • A white stone building with multiple windows and three chimneys with green grass and a black fence.
    NPS Photo

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Sources: National Park Service · updated 2026-08-12