Middletown, city, Middlesex County, central Connecticut, on the Connecticut River; incorporated as a city 1784. Major manufactures include aircraft parts and equipment, computer equipment, hardware, industrial machinery, and printed materials. The insurance industry is also important to the city's economy. Wesleyan University (1831), which includes the Davison Art Center; a community college; and the Middlesex County Historical Society museum are here. Founded in 1650 on the site of a Native American village, the community grew as a port and shipbuilding center and was a trading port with the West Indies. In 1923 the town and city of Middletown were consolidated. Population 39,040 (1980); 42,762 (1990); 43,167 (2000).
