Colt State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Colt State Park |
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Main building
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 Colt State Park
Location in Rhode Island
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| Location | Bristol, Bristol, Rhode Island, United States |
| Area | 464 acres (188 ha) |
| Elevation | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Established | 1965 |
| Named for | Samuel P. Colt |
| Governing body | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Parks & Recreation |
| Website | Colt State Park |
Colt State Park is a large public park in Bristol, Rhode Island. It covers 464 acres of land. This beautiful park used to belong to a rich businessman named Samuel P. Colt. He was the nephew of the famous gun maker, Samuel Colt. The park is part of a special historic area called the Poppasquash Farms Historic District. It is also a popular stop on the East Bay Bike Path. You can find trails, picnic spots, boat ramps, and even a unique Chapel-by-the-Sea here.
A Look Back in Time
Samuel P. Colt started buying land in 1905. He combined several farms to create his large estate. He built a summer house called the "Casino." He also built a grand stone barn. This barn was home to his special Jersey cattle. The summer house was taken down in the 1960s. But the amazing stone cow barn is still standing today.
At the main entrance on Hope Street, you will see two life-size bull statues. They are named Conrad and Pomeroy. These bronze bulls stand on marble bases. People believe the bases look like the gates at King Louis XV's palace in France. The statues were first shown in 1913. The gate has a special message: "Colt Farm. Private Property, Public Welcome."
When Samuel P. Colt passed away in 1921, his land went to a bank. Colt's will said that the farm must always be open to the public. Over the years, some statues in the park were damaged or stolen. Many of Colt Park's statues were moved to a safer place called Linden Place.
In 1965, the State of Rhode Island bought Colt Farm. On August 21, 1968, the land officially became Colt State Park. Rhode Island Governor John Chafee dedicated the park. A statue of Governor Chafee was put in the park in 2003.
Fun Things to Do
Colt State Park offers many activities for visitors. You can find trails for walking, running, biking, and even horseback riding. There is also a skate park for skateboarders. The park has nice areas for picnicking with your family and friends. You can also use the boat ramps to launch your boat.
The park has a fishing pier. It was first built in the 1980s. In 2014, the pier was rebuilt and made bigger. Now, it has four special spots for people in wheelchairs to fish easily.
Images for kids
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The bulls at the Hope Street entrance
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Chafee statue
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Shoreline at the park
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The statue of John Chafee looks out over Colt State Park
