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Butler-McCook House & Garden: A Hartford Time Capsule

Explore Hartford's oldest house and journey through centuries of history at the captivating Butler-McCook House & Garden.

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Step back in time at Hartford's oldest house, the Butler-McCook House & Garden, a meticulously preserved home showcasing 189 years of family history from the American Revolution to the mid-20th century. Explore original furnishings, a Victorian garden, and exhibits detailing the evolution of Hartford.

A brief summary to Butler-McCook House & Garden

Local tips

  • Check the Connecticut Landmarks website for tour schedules, special events, and seasonal hours before visiting.
  • Explore the garden during the spring and summer months to see the Victorian ornamental garden in full bloom.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Amos Bull House and other historic landmarks in downtown Hartford.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hartford Public Library, walk south on Main Street for approximately 2 blocks. The Butler-McCook House & Garden will be on your left. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 5 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    CTtransit buses serve the Main Street corridor. Check the CTtransit website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. Several bus routes stop near the Butler-McCook House & Garden on Main Street. A single-ride fare is $1.75.

  • Driving

    From I-84 East or West, take Exit 46 for Main Street toward Downtown Hartford. Turn right onto Main Street. The Butler-McCook House & Garden will be on your left at 396 Main St. Street parking is available but limited. Several nearby parking lots and garages are available, including the Pulaski Circle Lot and Arch Street Lot. Parking fees vary, typically costing around $6 for a short visit. Metered street parking is also available.

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Discover more about Butler-McCook House & Garden

The Butler-McCook House & Garden, located on Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of four generations of the Butler and McCook families who resided there for 189 years. Built in 1782, the house is one of the few surviving 18th-century structures in the city. The house's exterior retains its original Federal Period design, while the interior reflects the evolving tastes of the families through the Colonial and Victorian eras. Visitors can explore rooms filled with original furnishings, including Connecticut-crafted colonial furniture, Victorian-era toys, paintings, and even samurai armor acquired during a family trip to Japan. Behind the house lies a restored Victorian ornamental garden, originally designed in 1865 by landscape architect Jacob Weidenmann, who also designed Hartford's Bushnell Park. The garden features a formal parterre with boxwood hedges, roses, perennials, and winding stone paths, offering a serene escape from the urban surroundings. The garden is open year-round, with the best viewing months between May and August. The Main Street History Center, housed within the Butler-McCook House, features exhibits that chronicle Hartford's transformation from a small settlement to a modern urban center through the experiences of the Butler and McCook families. The family's legacy includes contributions to medicine, industry, missionary work, art, education, and social reform. The McCook family also had a strong tradition of military service; they were known as the “Fighting McCooks” during the Civil War.

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