Washington, DC --Secretary
of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, announced today that Hartford’s Coltsville has been officially
named a National Historic Landmark. The
Secretary’s sign off confirms the unanimous decision made by the National Park
Service Advisory Board in July and a similarly unanimous vote by the Landmark
Subcommittee late last year.Today’s
announcement also conveys some tax and rehabilitation benefits to the site and
puts Coltsville one step closer to achieving all of the benefits of National Park
Status.
“The Colt
Factory was a vital component of Connecticut’s
industrial success and accordingly, it holds a prominent place in the history
of our state and our nation,” said Senator Chris Dodd (CT-D). “I applaud Secretary Kempthorne’s recognition of
Coltsville’s historical significance. I will continue to work towards the
goal of obtaining National Park Status for the Colt factory and the surrounding
area so that it will be preserved for future generations to learn from and
enjoy.”
A spokeswoman for
Senator Joe Lieberman (CT-ID), Erika
Masonhall, said “Senator Lieberman welcomes this decision because it recognizes
Coltsville for the important role that this site played in making Hartford a leading
industrial area. The Colt family’s spirit has helped make this important
designation a reality.”
Congressman John B.
Larson (CT-01), Vice Chair of the
Democratic Caucus, said, “The Colt Factory and the surrounding area are an
important piece of U.S History – one that should be honored and preserved for
our local benefit and our national historical record.I am thrilled with Secretary Kempthorne’s
decision.I look forward to continuing
to work with members of our community to secure the National Park Status that
the area deserves.”
The Colt Factory and the surrounding historic
district 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.
