Old State House, Parliament building in Hartford, United States
The Old State House is a parliament building in Hartford featuring Portland brownstone on its first floor and Flemish bond brick patterns on its upper levels. A wooden cornice crowns the roof and gives the structure its distinctive outline.
The building opened in 1796 and served as Connecticut's state government center until 1878, hosting legislative sessions within its walls. Major court cases, including trials that shaped American history, were conducted in this location.
The building houses historic legislative chambers alongside the Museum of Natural and Other Curiosities, which displays natural specimens and rare objects collected over centuries. These two uses create an unexpected blend of political and natural history within the same walls, reflecting how 19th-century institutions combined government and education.
The building sits in downtown Hartford on a main street, making it easy to reach and walk around on foot. Plan your visit in advance, as opening hours are limited to specific weekdays.
The design draws inspiration from Liverpool Town Hall in England, yet the builders used only materials sourced from the United States. This deliberate choice shows how American builders adapted European styles with local resources.
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