Old State House, Hartford (must see)
Connecticut's Old State House is a downtown building that is a marriage of yesterday and today. The Old State House was completed in 1796 where it was used for government affairs. Over the years it has served a number of different purposes, including as a site for conventions, trials, museums and, currently, a popular farmer's market. In 1839, the start of the Amistad trial was held there.
The Old State House has a reputation for being haunted, which makes it a must-see for those who enjoy all things macabre. It has even appeared on an episode of the paranormal investigation show "Ghost Hunters."
In addition to its haunted history, the third floor of the Old State House is home to the Joseph Steward Museum of Curiosities. Joseph Steward began collecting these curiosities in the late 18th century and added to them throughout his life. Some of the items include a calf with two heads, a pig with two heads, over-sized animals and machinery with unknown uses.
The Farmers Market is the oldest of its kind in the state. Those who are lucky enough to be visiting on a Tuesday or Friday can attend the open air market where they will find farmers, artisans and even manufactured goods. A holiday shopping fair is also held at the state house during the holiday season.
Tours can be self-guided or led by volunteers. The Old State House features hands-on activities that can be enjoyed by all members of the family. Fun historic items, like Mark Twain's bicycle, are offered here as well.
Why You Should Visit:
Connecticut's Old State House has something for everyone. The low cost of admission and the wide number of activities make the Old State House a must-see.
Tips:
Cost to visit the Old State House is $8 for adults, $4 for students and children under the age of five are free. Those planning to visit Connecticut's Old State House should call first to make sure the building is open.
The Old State House has a reputation for being haunted, which makes it a must-see for those who enjoy all things macabre. It has even appeared on an episode of the paranormal investigation show "Ghost Hunters."
In addition to its haunted history, the third floor of the Old State House is home to the Joseph Steward Museum of Curiosities. Joseph Steward began collecting these curiosities in the late 18th century and added to them throughout his life. Some of the items include a calf with two heads, a pig with two heads, over-sized animals and machinery with unknown uses.
The Farmers Market is the oldest of its kind in the state. Those who are lucky enough to be visiting on a Tuesday or Friday can attend the open air market where they will find farmers, artisans and even manufactured goods. A holiday shopping fair is also held at the state house during the holiday season.
Tours can be self-guided or led by volunteers. The Old State House features hands-on activities that can be enjoyed by all members of the family. Fun historic items, like Mark Twain's bicycle, are offered here as well.
Why You Should Visit:
Connecticut's Old State House has something for everyone. The low cost of admission and the wide number of activities make the Old State House a must-see.
Tips:
Cost to visit the Old State House is $8 for adults, $4 for students and children under the age of five are free. Those planning to visit Connecticut's Old State House should call first to make sure the building is open.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hartford. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Old State House on Map
Sight Name: Old State House
Sight Location: Hartford, USA (See walking tours in Hartford)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hartford, USA (See walking tours in Hartford)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hartford, Connecticut
Create Your Own Walk in Hartford
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hartford is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hartford Introduction Walking Tour
Hartford, Connecticut is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1635, this capital city of Connecticut has a long and storied history. The city offers a multitude of museums, a booming art scene, interesting architecture and excellence in cuisine.
The area where Hartford now sits was once home to Algonquins. More specifically, it was inhabited by the Massacoes, Podunks,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The area where Hartford now sits was once home to Algonquins. More specifically, it was inhabited by the Massacoes, Podunks,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Architectural Jewels
Hartford, Connecticut abounds in one-of-a-kind, artistically unique structures 鈥� homes, museums, libraries, and government halls 鈥� each with a distinctive look, appeal, and history of their own. Some of them are celebrated works by well-known architects, and display a variety of styles.
Among these jewels is Armsmear, a historic mansion originally built for Samuel Colt, the famed inventor... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Among these jewels is Armsmear, a historic mansion originally built for Samuel Colt, the famed inventor... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Hartford's Historical Houses Tour
Visiting old houses is like treasure hunting, where you are bound to uncover secrets of the former owners. Hartford was once home to well-known historic figures, whose abodes today have been converted into museums for future generations to explore.
Among these is the Mark Twain House, a former residence of the iconic American author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. This Victorian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Among these is the Mark Twain House, a former residence of the iconic American author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. This Victorian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles