Butler-McCook House & Garden
396 Main St, Hartford, CT, 06103
Right on Hartford’s Main Street, you can step into the 18th century as you walk through the historic Butler-McCook House & Garden. Built in 1782, the property contains original colonial furnishings, Victorian-era toys, and other mainstays of home life during the four generations when the Butler-McCook family resided there. See family bedrooms, admire period artwork, and learn what the area was like nearly 250 years ago.
The basics
Hartford's oldest house offers tours in the summer months and by reservation. During the tour, which lasts about an hour, you’ll see the family's samurai armor collection, which was acquired on a trip to Japan, among other treasures. After seeing the house, you can stroll the restored Victorian ornamental garden, replicating the garden designed by landscape architect Jacob Weidenmann in 1865.
Things to know before you go
Tours are free for Connecticut Landmarks members and children under 6 years old.
Meeting and event spaces are available.
No food or drink is allowed inside the property.
The property does not have air conditioning.
How to get there
The Butler-McCook House is on Main Street, close to Bushnell Park, with parking available in the back of the property on South Prospect Street, by the Amos Bull House. Buses stop on Main Street and Charter Avenue.
When to get there
The best time of year to visit the Butler-McCook House is during the summer, when you can see the garden in all its glory. The property often hosts a summer concert series with live music in the garden. Historical walking tours of Main Street are also held during the summer season.
Other historical sites near the Butler-McCook House
Head north on Main Street to visit the Ancient Burying Ground, a cemetery with gravestones dating back to the 1600s. Across the street is Connecticut's Old State House, where all three branches of Connecticut state government were located from 1796 to 1878. The building now serves as a museum, and tours are available to the public.
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