East Hartford, town, Hartford County, central Connecticut, on the Connecticut River, opposite Hartford; settled 1635, separated from Hartford and incorporated 1783. It is a transportation and petroleum-products distribution center located at the junction of major highways. Manufactures include aircraft engines, fabricated steel, paper, stamp and die plates, and processed food. Population 52,563 (1980); 50,452 (1990); 50,452 (1996 estimate).
