Manchester, town, Hartford County, central Connecticut, on the Hockanum River, near Hartford; settled 1672, incorporated 1823. Manufactures include precision tools, electrical instruments, textiles, parachutes, and aerospace equipment. Located here is a historic district featuring many buildings from the town's early years, including the Cheney Homestead (circa 1785), the Keeney Schoolhouse (circa 1751), and a restored 1901 firehouse, now serving as a fire-fighting museum. The Pitkin Glass Works and a children's museum are also here. The town site was purchased from the Mohegan people in 1677. By the late 18th century the community was a manufacturing center, producing paper, glass, and textiles. The town is named for Manchester, England. Population 49,761 (1980); 51,618 (1990); 51,618 (1990).
