City: Hartford, CT

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (860) 522-6766

Address: 800 Main St.

Description: This two-in-one attraction is at the heart of the old capitol of the Connecticut Colony. Start at the 1797 Greek Revival State House, often called “the people’s house,” one of the oldest in the country. This brick building contains historical exhibits and a re-creation of Joseph Stewards Museum of Oddities and Curiosities, which resided in the building in 1798. You can do this as a self-guided tour, but should probably take the guided one through the old legislative, judicial, and executive areas of this remarkable building. They’ll tell you about events like the Amistad trial, which took place here. When you’re done, walk a block to the Ancient Burying Ground, which has some of the oldest graves in the state, including (most likely) the unmarked grave of the colony founder, Rev. Thomas Hooker. The Center Church next door is worth your time, too, an 1807 structure that replaced the original 1636 one that accompanied the cemetery.