COLTSVILLE PASSES NEXT TEST TOWARDS HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2008
CONTACT: Emily Barocas/ 202-225-7295
COLTSVILLE PASSES NEXT TEST TOWARDS HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION
WASHINGTON,DC - The National Park ServiceAdvisory Board voted today to approve Coltsville's bid to become a National HistoricalLandmark. Connecticut Senators JoeLieberman (ID-CT) and Chris Dodd (D-CT), as well as Congressman John B.Larson (D-CT-01) applaud the Board'sdecision and its recognition of the important piece of history that the ColtFactory represents. The decision nowheads to Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne's desk for finalapproval. This is a major step towardsattaining National Park status for the area and all of the benefits that comewith that designation.
Congressman Larson said, "Today's vote is a major victory for Coltsville and a major victory forHartford. This important site is on its way to gettingthe recognition, protection and funding that it deserves in order to protectits historic integrity. I am incrediblyproud of all of the work that has gone into this bid from all parts of ourcommunity. It is testament to the valuethat we place on our city's treasures and history."
"I applaud today's decision to recognize Coltsvilleas a National Historic Park," said Dodd. "This designation will honor the significant contributions of Sam andElizabeth Colt to Connecticutand the nation, and will preserve Coltsville's place in our state'shistory. I hope Secretary Kempthorne will act quickly to sign thismeasure."
"I applaud theNational Park's Service decision today to designate the Coltsville HistoricDistrict in Hartford as a National HistoricPark," saidLieberman. "The Colt Armory'sdistinctive blue roof has been a beacon for residents and visitors to Hartford for over 150years. Today's decision not only recognizes the important industrialinnovations that Samuel Colt brought to Connecticut, making Hartford a leadingindustrial area, but also acknowledges Elizabeth Colt's role in keepingHartford strong following the 1864 fire at the armory. This spirit hashelped drive the numerous community, state, and federal groups to make thisdesignation a reality."
The Colt Factory and the surrounding area is a landmark in Hartford and a site ofgreat national importance. It was the seed of the Industrial Revolution in thiscountry. The manufacturing innovationsthat were achieved at Colt spawned some of the most successful businesses inthe nation including Pratt and Whitney and the Ford Motor Company. Under the guidance of Sam and Elizabeth Colt,Colt Firearms established the UnitedStates as a world leader in business and wasthe first American company to go abroad.
The National Historical Landmark designation does conveysome tax and rehabilitation benefits to the site.
Today's vote comes after a unanimous vote on the issue bythe Advisory Board's Landmark's Subcommittee this past December.
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