Coltsville National Historical Park, CT

National Park Trust Helps Launch the Coltsville National Historical Park

Project Details:

Project Years: 2023

Park Trust Role: Coordinate negotiations with the landowner

Overview

In 2023, we announced our successful partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), Congressman John B. Larson (CT, 1st District), Chevron Corporation, and other stakeholders to pave the way to establish Coltsville National Historical Park in Hartford, CT.

Legislation in 2014 authorized the Coltsville National Historical Park, contingent on specified conditions relative to the land and structures that would comprise the park. This included executing formal written agreements between the NPS, the City of Hartford, private landowner Colt Gateway, LLC, and its investing partner, Chevron Corporation.

Meeting the conditions of the agreement with the landowner for the donation of the property and an easement within the Colt Factory complex proved unexpectedly challenging, which led to complex and extensive discussions for years.

In early 2023, the NPS asked for our assistance in elevating and reframing the talks between the NPS and the landowner, which proved critical to reaching an agreement.

Our unique perspectives and expertise in land protection and collaboration among public, nonprofit, and private entities helped facilitate more focused and direct dialogue, resulting in positive outcomes for all involved. These efforts, combined with the good faith of all parties, led to an agreement that marked the final step needed to begin the establishment of the new national park unit.

The successful conclusion of negotiations now opens the door for the NPS to acquire the historic 1850s Forge and Foundry brownstone buildings, which will preserve the legacy of the original Colt complex. These time-honored structures will be transformed into the Park’s visitor center and are destined to become the heartbeat of the park.

The acquisition and transfer of these brownstones to the NPS are the last significant conditions required to establish Coltsville National Historical Park. This pivotal moment heralds the realization of a vision and sets the stage for telling the story of Samuel and Elizabeth Colt and their impact on our nation.

Why This Place Matters

Samuel Colt established Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company on this site along the Connecticut River in Hartford in the early 1850s. It was his most successful business and became known as an iconic high-quality firearms company. Colt built the company based on his 1836 patent for a six-shot pistol. His improved design also spurred production by competitors. Colt produced over 400,000 firearms before his death in 1862, making the brand famous around the world.

After he died, his wife Elizabeth assumed control of the company and rebuilt the Colt factory complex after a devastating fire in 1864. Under her management, in 1873, one of the most famous and popular firearms, the Colt “Peacemaker” was introduced. Although Elizabeth Colt sold her share of the company in 1901, the company she rebuilt and managed for nearly 40 years remained successful as an icon of American manufacturing and is a legacy of one of the earliest female entrepreneurs.

Significance of the Acquisition:

The acquisition of the Forge and Foundry brownstone buildings will preserve the narrative of the original Colt complex and its historical significance.
Provides opportunities for more people in an urban area to experience firsthand significant historical sites
Allows people to connect with nature in an urban setting