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 Motel 6 in Sheldon-Charter Oak with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Reception

"Was worth the stay"

AED 274 total

includes taxes & fees

19 May - 20 May

Vending machine

"Safe quiet place to spend the night"

AED 258 total

includes taxes & fees

18 May - 19 May

Coffee service

"Reasonably priced, walking distance to any major eateries. Staff are professional and friendly, the laundry machine is a plus!"

AED 294 total

includes taxes & fees

18 May - 19 May

Lobby

"They try hard "

AED 296 total

includes taxes & fees

18 May - 19 May

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Recent reviews of Sheldon-Charter Oak hotels

Best Western Manchester

5/5 Excellent

Very comfortable

"The room was comfortable but wished there was a darkening shade. "

A verified traveler stayed at Best Western Manchester

Posted 11 hours ago

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