Middletown, CT Summary

This city of about 42,800, founded in 1650, occupies the west bank of the Connecticut River south of Hartford — it became a shipbuilding center and trading port. Middletown was once the state’s largest and wealthiest city. Handgun manufacturer Simeon North built a factory here in 1799. Today, the city’s economy hinges on aircraft parts and equipment, computer equipment, industrial machinery and insurance. Within city limits are rural, suburban, and urban areas. Wesleyan University was founded here in 1831. A bridge links Middletown with the city of Portland, on the river’s east bank. Middletown is located on Hwy 9.