DODD, LIEBERMAN, LARSON APPLAUD COLTSVILLE HISTORIC LANDMARK DECISION
FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2008
Contact: ForLarson – Emily Barocas /202-225-7295/202-593-1377
For Dodd – Bryan DeAngelis/202-224-2823
For Lieberman – Erika Masonhall/202-224-4041
DODD, LIEBERMAN, LARSON APPLAUD COLTSVILLEHISTORIC LANDMARK DECISION
Washington, DC --Secretaryof the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, announced today that Hartford’s Coltsville has been officiallynamed a National Historic Landmark. TheSecretary’s sign off confirms the unanimous decision made by the National ParkService Advisory Board in July and a similarly unanimous vote by the LandmarkSubcommittee late last year. Today’sannouncement also conveys some tax and rehabilitation benefits to the site andputs Coltsville one step closer to achieving all of the benefits of National ParkStatus.
“The ColtFactory was a vital component of Connecticut’sindustrial success and accordingly, it holds a prominent place in the historyof our state and our nation,” said Senator Chris Dodd (CT-D). “I applaud Secretary Kempthorne’s recognition ofColtsville’s historical significance. I will continue to work towards thegoal of obtaining National Park Status for the Colt factory and the surroundingarea so that it will be preserved for future generations to learn from andenjoy.”
A spokeswoman forSenator Joe Lieberman (CT-ID), ErikaMasonhall, said “Senator Lieberman welcomes this decision because it recognizesColtsville for the important role that this site played in making Hartford a leadingindustrial area. The Colt family’s spirit has helped make this importantdesignation a reality.”
Congressman John B.Larson (CT-01), Vice Chair of theDemocratic Caucus, said, “The Colt Factory and the surrounding area are animportant piece of U.S History – one that should be honored and preserved forour local benefit and our national historical record. I am thrilled with Secretary Kempthorne’sdecision. I look forward to continuingto work with members of our community to secure the National Park Status thatthe area deserves.”
The Colt Factory and the surrounding historicdistrict is a landmark in Hartfordand a site of great national importance. It was the seed of the IndustrialRevolution in this country. The manufacturing innovations that wereachieved at Colt spawned some of the most successful businesses in the nationincluding Pratt and Whitney and the Ford Motor Company. Under theguidance of Sam and Elizabeth Colt, Colt Firearms established the United Statesas a world leader in business and was the first American company to go abroad.
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