Butler-McCook House & Garden: A Hartford Time Capsule

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Explore Hartford's oldest house and immerse yourself in the lives of the Butler-McCook family, witnessing centuries of history and culture.

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Butler-McCook House & Garden

Step back in time at Hartford's oldest house, the Butler-McCook House & Garden. Built in 1782, this Connecticut Landmark was home to four generations of the Butler and McCook families, witnessing the evolution of Main Street from the American Revolution to the mid-20th century. Explore original furnishings, a restored Victorian garden, and exhibits detailing Hartford's rich history.

A brief summary to Butler-McCook House & Garden

396 Main St, Hartford, Downtown, Connecticut, 06103, US
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Local tips

Check the Connecticut Landmarks website for tour schedules, special events, and seasonal hours before visiting.
Visit during the spring or summer to fully appreciate the beauty of the Victorian ornamental garden in bloom.
Consider a guided tour to gain valuable insights into the lives of the Butler and McCook families and the history of the house.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art or Bushnell Park.

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Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

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Bushnell Park

Explore the Serene Beauty of Bushnell Park

Getting There

Walking

From the Connecticut State Capitol, walk north on Trinity Street, then turn right onto Elm Street. Continue onto Main Street. The Butler-McCook House & Garden will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs involved.
Public Transport

The Hartford Dash, a free downtown shuttle, stops near the Butler-McCook House & Garden. Check the Hartford Dash schedule for arrival times. Alternatively, several CT Transit buses stop near the house. A single fare is $1.75.
Driving

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 at 396 Main Street. Street parking and nearby public parking lots are available. Metered street parking costs around $1.50 per hour. Parking in nearby garages can range from $6-$15 for a few hours.

Discover more about Butler-McCook House & Garden

The Butler-McCook House & Garden offers a unique glimpse into Hartford's past, standing as the only 18th-century home remaining on Main Street. For 189 years, this house was home to four generations of the Butler-McCook family, who actively participated in and documented Hartford's transformation. Built in 1782 by Dr. John Butler, the house showcases a blend of architectural styles, with its exterior largely unchanged since its construction. Inside, visitors can explore original furnishings spanning from Connecticut-crafted colonial furniture to Victorian-era toys and paintings, and even samurai armor acquired during a family trip to Japan. The Main Street History Center, located within the house, uses the Butler and McCook families' experiences to chronicle the neighborhood's evolution. Behind the house lies a restored Victorian ornamental garden, originally designed in 1865 by landscape pioneer Jacob Weidenmann. The garden provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, featuring a variety of plants and flowers that reflect the horticultural trends of the 19th century. Today, the garden is cared for by the West Hartford Garden Club. A visit to the Butler-McCook House & Garden offers a chance to connect with Connecticut's rich heritage through the story of one remarkable family.

Explore the best of what Butler-McCook House & Garden has to offer

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