Middletown, County seat in Connecticut, United States
Middletown serves as the county seat of Middlesex County in Connecticut and sits along the eastern bank of the Connecticut River. The town spreads across several hills and valleys between Hartford to the north and the river mouth to the south.
English settlers founded the town around 1650 under the name Mattabeseck and renamed it Middletown three years later because of its position midway between Windsor and Saybrook. The town grew into a manufacturing center along the river during the 19th century.
Wesleyan University students walk through the downtown shops and coffeehouses, bringing energy to Main Street throughout the academic year. The campus hosts concerts and lectures that draw both residents and visitors, creating a mix of academic life and everyday routine.
The downtown area around Main Street is easy to explore on foot, with parking available on side streets. Riverfront access is possible at several points and offers walking paths with views of the water.
In 1841 the town opened the first public high school in Connecticut. This early commitment to state education drew other institutions to the area and shaped its development over decades.
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