Middlesex County, Connecticut is located in the south-central region of the state. It is bordered by New Haven County to the south, Hartford County to the west, and New London County to the east. The county has a total area of 618 square miles and is home to over 165,000 people.
The geography of Middlesex County is quite varied with several different types of terrain including hills, valleys, plains and river valleys. The Connecticut River runs through the center of the county and provides a scenic backdrop for many of its towns and cities. In addition to this there are several smaller rivers such as the Mattabesset River which flows through Middletown and Cromwell.
The terrain in Middlesex County ranges from flat plains in some parts to rolling hills in others with elevations ranging from sea level up to 1,400 feet above sea level at its highest point. There are also several large bodies of water located within its borders such as Lake Candlewood, Lake Saltonstall and Lake Zoar which provide recreational activities for residents throughout the year.
Middlesex County has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from around 40 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months. The area receives an average annual rainfall of 45 inches per year with snowfall averages ranging from 10-15 inches per year depending on location within the county.
Overall, Middlesex County is an area rich in natural beauty with plenty of outdoor activities available for residents throughout all four seasons. With its varied geography and temperate climate it is an ideal place for both leisurely strolls or more adventurous outings into nature’s beauty.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Middlesex County, Connecticut
Middlesex County, Connecticut is located in the south-central region of the state and is home to over 165,000 people. The county seat of Middlesex County is Middletown, which is also the largest city in the county. Middletown has a population of about 47,400 and is located at the mouth of the Connecticut River. It is known for its vibrant downtown with a variety of restaurants and shops as well as its historic architecture.
According to countryaah.com, the other main cities in Middlesex County include Cromwell, which has a population of 14,700 and is located on the banks of the Mattabesset River; Portland, which has a population of 9,200 and lies at the base of an escarpment; Haddam, which has a population of 8,400 and lies along the west bank of the Connecticut River; East Hampton, which has a population of 8,100 and lies in rolling hills; Durham,which has a population of 7,300 and lies along Route 17A; Middlefield,which has a population of 4,800 and lies along Route 66; Killingworth,which has a population 4500 residents and sits on Long Island Sound; Chester,which has a population 3200 residents and sits on Route 148; Deep River,which has a population 2200 residents and sits on Route 80;and Westbrook,which has a population 1 600 residents and sits on Long Island Sound.
Each town offers its own unique attractions such as art galleries in Middletown or hiking trails in Portland. There are also many historical sites throughout Middlesex County including Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam or Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill. These towns are all connected by various highways such as Routes 9 & 17A or Interstate 91 that runs through Cromwell.
Overall Middlesex County offers its visitors plenty to do with its diverse geography from river valleys to rolling hills to coastal beaches to historic sites. With so much variety it’s no wonder why this county continues to be an attractive destination for tourists from all over.
History of Middlesex County, Connecticut
Middlesex County, Connecticut is one of the oldest counties in the United States, having been established in 1666. It was created by an act of the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut and was named after Middlesex County in England. The county is located in south central Connecticut and is home to over 165,000 people. The county seat of Middlesex County is Middletown, which is also the largest city in the county.
The first settlers to arrive in Middlesex County came from Massachusetts and were Puritans seeking religious freedom. They established several small towns along the Connecticut River including Middletown, Cromwell, Portland, Haddam, East Hampton and Middlefield. Many of these towns are still thriving Today, with their own unique attractions such as art galleries in Middletown or hiking trails in Portland.
Throughout its history Middlesex County has been an important center for manufacturing and shipping due to its location on the banks of the Connecticut River. In 1784 a bridge was built across the river connecting East Haddam to Lyme. This bridge became known as “The Great Bridge” and was a major factor in developing Middlesex County into a major commercial center for shipping goods throughout New England and beyond.
Middlesex County also played an important role during The Revolutionary War when it served as a training ground for local militiamen who would go on to fight at Lexington and Concord. In addition, many privateers used local ports such as Old Saybrook or Westbrook to launch raids on British ships during this time period.
Today Middlesex County continues to be an attractive destination for tourists from all over due to its diverse geography from river valleys to rolling hills to coastal beaches as well as its historic sites such as Gillette Castle State Park or Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill. With so much variety it’s no wonder why this county continues to be a popular destination.
Economy of Middlesex County, Connecticut
Middlesex County, Connecticut is a vibrant and diverse economic hub in the heart of south central Connecticut. The county has a population of over 165,000 people and is located on the banks of the Connecticut River. Its close proximity to major cities such as Hartford, New Haven, and Providence makes it an ideal location for businesses and industries looking to expand their presence in the region.
The county’s economy is largely based on finance, insurance, real estate, manufacturing, education & healthcare services, government services, and retail trade. The largest employers in Middlesex County include Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines (a division of United Technologies), Liberty Bank (a regional bank), Hartford Healthcare (a hospital system), Yale-New Haven Hospital (an academic medical center), Electric Boat Corporation (a defense contractor), and Middlesex Hospital (a community hospital).
Middlesex County is also home to a number of higher education institutions including Wesleyan University, Central Connecticut State University, University of Connecticut-Avery Point Campus, Middlesex Community College, Goodwin College and Capital Community College. These colleges provide students with access to quality educational opportunities while also contributing to the local economy by employing thousands of people throughout the region.
In addition to its strong educational base, Middlesex County also boasts an impressive manufacturing sector. Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines employs thousands of workers at its main facility in Middletown while Electric Boat Corporation manufactures submarines for the US Navy at its Groton facility. Other major manufacturing employers in the county include Stanley Black & Decker Inc., New Britain Machine Co., Inc., Cintas Corporation Inc., UTC Aerospace Systems Inc., Bigelow Tea Company Inc., and Coca Cola Bottling Company Of New England Inc.
The tourism industry is also thriving in Middlesex County thanks to its numerous attractions such as Gillette Castle State Park or Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill. Additionally there are several wineries located throughout the county where visitors can sample local wines while enjoying stunning views from vineyards overlooking Long Island Sound or rolling hillsides dotted with apple orchards.
Overall Middlesex County offers businesses and individuals alike a vibrant economic landscape with plenty of opportunities for success. With its strong educational base combined with an impressive manufacturing sector as well as a thriving tourism industry there’s no doubt that this county will continue to be a great place for business for many years to come.
