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.

Find all hotels by Independent in Sheldon-Charter Oak, CT from AED 229

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

deals illustration

Treat yourself

Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels

bed illustration

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

15 May - 16 May

Tomorrow

16 May - 17 May

This weekend

16 May - 18 May

Next weekend

23 May - 25 May

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

Front of property

"The staff was very polite and friendly. The room was clean and comfortable and the hotel was situated in a decent location. "

AED 794 total

includes taxes & fees

26 May - 27 May

Bar (on property)

"Beautiful hotel"

AED 1,381 total

includes taxes & fees

26 May - 27 May

Staircase

"Great little inn. Friendly staff."

AED 715 total

includes taxes & fees

26 May - 27 May

Interior

"Beautiful grounds, quiet and safe Prices reasonable"

AED 794 total

includes taxes & fees

18 May - 19 May

Front of property - evening/night

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

AED 1,062 total

includes taxes & fees

27 May - 28 May

View from property

"Great place for a weekend getaway"

AED 1,048 total

includes taxes & fees

18 May - 19 May

Lake

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

AED 565 total

includes taxes & fees

18 May - 19 May

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

AED 385 total

includes taxes & fees

18 May - 19 May

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Sign up, it's free

Recent reviews of Sheldon-Charter Oak hotels

Candlewood Suites Windsor Locks Bradley Arpt by IHG

5/5 Excellent

"Extremely clean excellent value "

A verified traveler stayed at Candlewood Suites Windsor Locks Bradley Arpt by IHG

Posted 2 days ago

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Sheldon-Charter Oak Hotels by Brand

Hotels in Sheldon-Charter Oak Neighborhoods

Hotels near popular Hartford Attractions

More Accommodation Types in

Hotels in Popular Destinations

Explore more hotels

See a list of all hotels in Hartford

85440cb3-c6f6-44a3-b52f-8aadb78b3aa6ad59038d-fdda-469e-ba2c-c57205effeb9