This home on Farmington Avenue is where Mark Twain lived from 1874 until he moved to Europe (due to bankruptcy) in 1891. It is also the place where Twain wrote some of his most famous works, such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. The estate is in constant renovation and the curating team is always looking to restore it as it was when Twain lived here. Nonetheless, the adjacent Museum offers an exclusive documentary about the writer by director Ken Burns and the home was one of the first 100 architectural sites to be registered as a National Historic Landmark in the United States.
Since the American Revolution, Connecticut has had three Capitols; built in 1878, this angelic-white structure is the state's third and last one. Designed by renowned American architect Richard M. Upjohn, the gold-domed building was erected in the Victorian Eastlake Movement-style and constructed using marble sourced from three different East Coast states. The iconic structure's stunning main facade is embellished with a series of carefully-crafted statues that bear likenesses to some of the most influential politicians and historic citizens to have come out of Connecticut. The capitol building is currently home to the state senate and the house of representatives, while also maintaining the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state.
One of the nation's oldest state houses, Hartford's Old State House dates back to 1796. A Federal-style building designed by famed architect Charles Bulfinch, the Old State House has been restored on numerous occasions and has been on the list of National Historic Landmarks since 1966. The state house bears an assemblage of architectural influences, where a Federal Styled-facade gives way to a Victorian chamber and a courtroom awash in Colonial Revival style. Home to the Museum of Natural and Other Curiosities, this regal, brick-hued edifice overlooks a pristine lawn, and lords over the sleek cityscape of Hartford. Even though it has not served the Connecticut government since the construction of the new State Capitol building, the Old State House is a stirring canopy lending insights into the history of the state.
The Springfield Armory, located in the heart of the city, is the location of one of the country's first armory and is also where the U.S. military arms were manufactured during most of the 18th Century. This significant national site is featured on the National Register of Historic Places and preserves the largest collection of historic American firearms in the world.
The Springfield Science Museum and Seymour Planetarium is dedicated to the natural sciences and artifacts found throughout New England. Children can explore and learn about the habitats of the Amazon rainforest, African savanna, a coral reef or the New England coastal areas. If a trip through time is more their thing, the Dinosaur Hall has replicas of Tyrannosaurus Rex as well as some dinosaurs native to the Connecticut River Valley. Tickets to the Seymour Planetarium (the nation's oldest) can be purchased separately, so sit back and check out over 7000 stars from our solar system.
Hartford's Cedar Hill Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Connecticut's most notable residents. This 227-acre (92-hectare) cemetery has been open since 1864 and is one of the region's finest examples of cemetery architecture combined with the rustic Connecticut environment. Some of the most notable residents interred here are the infamous J.P. Morgan and lovely Katharine Hepburn. The Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation provides tours and holds events throughout the year.
Located in the Coventry Lake are of Coventry, Connecticut, The Strong House is one of the most iconic structures in the city with its history dating back to 1710. The building's exoskeleton is made of wood, featuring 2.5 stories, sloping roofs, double chimneys, and a centrally positioned entrance. A registered historic site, the building is maintained by the Coventry Historical Society, offering tours around the property for visitors.
The Solomon Goffe House is a historic building that is an important landmark of the Meriden region. Erected in 1711, it is one of the foremost houses and is still intact and well-preserved. Included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as living museum.
The beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, with its soaring tower and the steep, conical spire, has a vast history whose roots lay with that of the Colt family, whose entire estate is the Coltsville legacy. Built in beguiling Gothic Revival style, this church is not only a religious landmark, but a sight which carries forward the architectural heritage of Hartford. Commissioned by Mrs Colt in 1867 C.E., the Gothic style of architecture with the Portland freestone, the Ohio stone, the chestnut wood beams and hand-crafted windows are most enticing. All the elements symbolize an idea or another of Christianity.
Hartford's Cedar Hill Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Connecticut's most notable residents. This 227-acre (92-hectare) cemetery has been open since 1864 and is one of the region's finest examples of cemetery architecture combined with the rustic Connecticut environment. Some of the most notable residents interred here are the infamous J.P. Morgan and lovely Katharine Hepburn. The Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation provides tours and holds events throughout the year.
Built in 1876 by William Goodspeed, the Goodspeed Opera House is a gem of American musical theater. Overlooking the Connecticut River, this majestic building is now owned by Goodspeed Musicals and is home to award-winning shows and performances. It is the cradle of world famous musicals like Man of La Mancha and Annie. After its founder's death it became decrepit and was almost at the brink of destruction, thankfully, Goodspeed Musicals was formed to save this historic structure in 1959. It has since been restored to its former glory and opened after four years of intensive restoration in 1963.
This home on Farmington Avenue is where Mark Twain lived from 1874 until he moved to Europe (due to bankruptcy) in 1891. It is also the place where Twain wrote some of his most famous works, such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. The estate is in constant renovation and the curating team is always looking to restore it as it was when Twain lived here. Nonetheless, the adjacent Museum offers an exclusive documentary about the writer by director Ken Burns and the home was one of the first 100 architectural sites to be registered as a National Historic Landmark in the United States.