East Armory (1867)

A 5-story gable-roofed building. This structure is the most visible and best-known part of the Colt factory complex. It was built on the foundation of the original 1855 brownstone East Armory after that building was destroyed by fire in 1864. Rising above the center of the East Armory is the complex’s signature blue onion-shaped dome. The original East Armory had a similar dome.  On top of the dome is a gilded ball, above which is a gilded fiberglass replica of the original wood Rampant Colt, a symbol of the company since Samuel Colt’s time. The original is on display at the Museum of Connecticut History. Today, the East Armory house primarily office space, including architectural firms, U.S. Senator Christ Murphy’s office, and other commercial space.