Portland, CT

Portland, Connecticut

Introduction to Portland, Connecticut

Portland, Connecticut, in Middlesex county, is 8 miles E of Meriden, Connecticut (center to center) and 90 miles NE of New York, New York. The town, which is part of the Hartford metropolitan statistical area (MSA), has about 8,732 residents.

Portland History

The Portland area was originally inhabited by Wangunk tribes. Europeans first arrived in Portland around 1690 and settled here because they were attracted by the huge repository of brownstone, used for construction as well as gravestones. Till 1841, the town was a part of Chatham. The town derives its name from Portland, England — a place well-known for its freestone quarries. By late 19th century, quarrying became the town’s major industry.

Portland and nearby Attractions

• Meshomasic State Forest
• American Clock & Watch Museum
• Gillette Castle
• Barnes Museum
• Eli Whitney Gun Factory
• Bushnell Park

Things To Do In Portland

Local museums including the American Clock & Watch Museum, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, and the Barnes Museum provide insight into the history of the town. Tourists may visit the historic Gillette Castle which overlooks the Connecticut River. The mansion was built by William Gillette, known for his stage portrayal of Sherlock Homes. Tourists can also visit the numerous parks. The area is well known for the Meshomasic State Forest, built in 1903. The town’s oldest church is the First Congregational Church.

Portland Transportation

Bradley International Airport provides air transportation facilities.

Portland Higher Education

One can pursue higher education at Wesleyan University, Central Connecticut State University, and Trinity College.

High Points

Portland strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Connecticut):

Category	Trophy
Low Violent Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Low Property Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 15%

Comparative Profile of Portland, CT

Comparing Portland to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Connecticut (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Age of the Population
Male Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Senior Citizens
Racial Diversity
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Portland Almanac

Portland Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Portland Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Portland Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Portland High Schools (2004)

PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL
95 HIGH STREET
860-342-1720
Serves 300 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 9.4

HOMEBOUND
33 EAST MAIN STREET
860-342-6790
A Non-traditional School

Portland Colleges

(List of All Connecticut Colleges)

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