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Butler-McCook House & Garden: A Hartford Time Capsule

Explore Hartford's oldest house, a captivating time capsule showcasing 18th and 19th-century life through original furnishings and a Victorian garden.

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Step back in time at Hartford's oldest house, the Butler-McCook House & Garden. Built in 1782, this meticulously preserved landmark offers a glimpse into the lives of four generations of the Butler and McCook families, showcasing original furnishings, a Victorian garden, and exhibits detailing Hartford's evolution.

A brief summary to Butler-McCook House & Garden

Local tips

  • Tours are by advanced reservation, so book your visit ahead of time.
  • Check the Connecticut Landmarks website for seasonal hours, events, and public programs.
  • Parking is available on the street behind the property.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Connecticut State Capitol, head north on Trinity Street towards Elm Street. Turn right onto Elm Street, then left onto Main Street. Continue north on Main Street for approximately 0.3 miles. The Butler-McCook House & Garden will be on your left. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Union Station Hartford, take any CT Transit bus that stops along Main Street heading North. Disembark near the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. Walk north on Main Street for a short distance; the Butler-McCook House & Garden will be on your left. A single bus fare is $1.75.

  • Car

    From I-84 East, take exit 46 for Main Street toward Downtown Hartford. Turn right onto Main Street. The Butler-McCook House & Garden will be on your left. Street parking and nearby public parking lots are available. Parking fees vary, with some lots charging around $6.

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Discover more about Butler-McCook House & Garden

The Butler-McCook House & Garden, located in downtown Hartford, stands as a unique testament to the city's rich history. Built in 1782, it is the oldest house remaining on Main Street and was home to four generations of the Butler and McCook families for 189 years. The house offers a glimpse into the lives of a family who witnessed and recorded the evolution of Main Street from the American Revolution to the mid-20th century. Inside, visitors will find original furnishings ranging from Connecticut-crafted colonial furniture to Victorian-era toys and paintings, and even samurai armor acquired during a trip to Japan. The Main Street History Center, located within the house, uses the Butler and McCook families' experiences to chronicle their neighborhood's transformation. Behind the house lies a restored Victorian ornamental garden, originally laid out in 1865 by landscape pioneer Jacob Weidenmann. The garden provides a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The McCook family had a strong tradition of military service and were known as the “Fighting McCooks” during the Civil War. The house's exterior looks much as it did when it was built in 1782. The house reflects two centuries of ownership by one family, with furnishings and decorative items ranging from the Colonial through the Victorian eras.

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