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 Red Roof Inn in Sheldon-Charter Oak, CT from AED 271

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

13 May - 14 May

Tomorrow

14 May - 15 May

This weekend

16 May - 18 May

Next weekend

23 May - 25 May

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

Exterior

"Wonderful place"

AED 312 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jun - 5 Jun

Exterior

"You get what you pay for, but definitely not awful "

AED 319 total

includes taxes & fees

18 May - 19 May

Exterior

"Very nice property "

AED 380 total

includes taxes & fees

15 May - 16 May

Lobby

"Clean room and friendly staff"

AED 321 total

includes taxes & fees

20 May - 21 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

Holiday Inn Express Southington by IHG

5/5 Excellent

"Beautiful room Breakfadt was excellent 👌 "

A verified traveler from BANGOR stayed at Holiday Inn Express Southington by IHG

Posted 1 day ago

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hartford - Bradley Airport

5/5 Excellent

Fantastic!

"I have stayed here many times for quick trips into Hartford and every time has been awesome! Staff (especially the night staff) has always been helpful and friendly. Room is great, easy check in and out and any kind of issue is handled right away. I love staying here!"

A verified traveler stayed at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hartford - Bradley Airport

Posted 4 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

29bd370d-e106-4dec-ac7e-58a1f09653567d106853-9786-4b26-81a4-8a3649c5c727