The National Park Service Advisory Board voted today to approve Coltsville’s bid to become a National Historical Landmark.  Connecticut Senators Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Chris Dodd (D-CT), as well as Congressman John B. Larson (D-CT-01) applaud the Board’s decision and its recognition of the important piece of history that the Colt Factory represents. The decision now heads to Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne’s desk for final approval. This is a major step towards attaining National Park status for the area and all of the benefits that come with that designation.

Congressman Larson said, “Today’s vote is a major victory for Coltsville and a major victory for Hartford.  This important site is on its way to getting the recognition, protection and funding that it deserves in order to protect its historic integrity. I am incredibly proud of all of the work that has gone into this bid from all parts of our community. It is testament to the value that we place on our city’s treasures and history.”

“I applaud today’s decision to recognize Coltsville as a National Historic Park,” said Dodd.  “This designation will honor the significant contributions of Sam and Elizabeth Colt to Connecticut and the nation, and will preserve Coltsville’s place in our state’s history. I hope Secretary Kempthorne will act quickly to sign this measure.”“I applaud the National Park’s Service decision today to designate the Coltsville Historic District in Hartford as a National Historic Park,” said Lieberman. “The Colt Armory’s distinctive blue roof has been a beacon for residents and visitors to Hartford for over 150 years. Today’s decision not only recognizes the important industrial innovations that Samuel Colt brought to Connecticut, making Hartford a leading industrial area, but also acknowledges Elizabeth Colt’s role in keeping Hartford strong following the 1864 fire at the armory. This spirit has helped drive the numerous community, state, and federal groups to make this designation a reality.”

The Colt Factory and the surrounding area is a landmark in Hartford and a site of great national importance. It was the seed of the Industrial Revolution in this country. The manufacturing innovations that were achieved at Colt spawned some of the most successful businesses in the nation including Pratt and Whitney and the Ford Motor Company. Under the guidance of Sam and Elizabeth Colt, Colt Firearms established the United States as a world leader in business and was the first American company to go abroad.

The National Historical Landmark designation does convey some tax and rehabilitation benefits to the site.

Today’s vote comes after a unanimous vote on the issue by the Advisory Board’s Landmark’s Subcommittee this past December.

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