According to Bridgat, Meriden, Connecticut is a city located in New Haven County in the state of Connecticut. The city has a population of 61,274 according to the
2020 census and is part of the Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford metropolitan area. The geography of Meriden is varied and diverse, encompassing both rural and urban landscapes.
Meriden is situated in the central part of Connecticut, just south of the state capital city, Hartford. The city is bordered by Wallingford to the north, Cheshire to the east, Southington and Berlin to the south, and Middletown to the west. To the north lies a range of hills that provide scenic views from various locations in Meriden. To the east lies an area known as “the Valley” which includes several rivers and streams that travel through Meriden. To the southwest lies Mount Higby which provides a picturesque landscape with its rocky cliffs and lush forests.
The terrain of Meriden is mostly flat with some rolling hills throughout due to its location on top of sedimentary rock deposits from glacial activity that occurred thousands of years ago. There are also several small lakes located in different parts of Meriden including Hanover Pond, Picketts Pond, Pomeroy Pond, and Bradley Lake.
The climate in Meriden is classified as humid continental with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with temperatures averaging around 80°F (26°C) while winters are cold with temperatures averaging around 25°F (-3°C). The city receives an average annual precipitation of 45 inches (114 cm).
Meriden’s geography provides residents with an array of landscapes ranging from rural areas to urban centers such as downtown Meriden where many businesses are located. With its diverse terrain, scenic views, and pleasant climate it makes for a great place for residents to call home or for visitors to explore.
History of Meriden, Connecticut
Meriden, Connecticut is a city located in New Haven County in the state of Connecticut. It was first settled by the English in 1662 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1806. The city has a rich history that dates back to its early settlers and their impact on the region.
The original inhabitants of Meriden were the Mohegan people, part of the Algonquian Native American tribe. In 1638, English settlers from Hartford arrived and began to settle the area that would become Meriden. By 1660, there were approximately 100 colonists living in what is now Meriden. In 1662, John Wakeman purchased land from Chief Uncas of the Mohegan tribe and established a settlement known as “Wakeman’s Town”.
In 1721, Wakeman’s Town was renamed “Meriden” after Merida, Spain which was believed to have been chosen because it was an important silver-mining center at that time. During this period of time, Meriden became an important center for agriculture and industry due to its location between New Haven and Hartford which allowed for easy access to both cities for trade purposes.
In 1806, Meriden became an official town with its own government and by 1867 it had become an official city with its own mayor and other municipal offices. During this period of time, Meriden experienced rapid growth due to its location on several major transportation routes such as railroads and highways which helped facilitate trade throughout the region.
Meriden also became known as “The Silver City” due to its prominence in silver ware production beginning in 1852 when two brothers established The International Silver Company which quickly grew into one of the largest silverware manufacturers in America with over 1 million items produced each week at their peak production rate.
Today, Meriden is still known for its strong industrial roots but also offers a variety of other attractions such as art galleries, museums, parks, restaurants and more making it a great place for both residents and visitors alike to explore and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Economy of Meriden, Connecticut
The economy of Meriden, Connecticut is diverse and vibrant. It has been a hub for manufacturing and industry since its founding in 1662. The city’s strong industrial roots are still evident today with many large companies having their headquarters in the city.
In the 19th century, Meriden was known as “The Silver City” due to its prominence in silverware production beginning in 1852 when two brothers established The International Silver Company which quickly grew into one of the largest silverware manufacturers in America with over 1 million items produced each week at their peak production rate. This industry not only provided jobs for residents but also helped to grow the city’s economy as a whole.
Today, Meriden is home to numerous manufacturing companies such as Pratt & Whitney, New Britain Machine, and O-Z Gedney Company which produce products that range from aerospace components to electrical equipment. In addition to these large employers, Meriden also has a number of small businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, and professional service providers which help drive the local economy.
Meriden is also home to several educational institutions including Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) and Albertus Magnus College which provide students with an opportunity for higher education while helping to create a skilled workforce. Additionally, CCSU offers numerous research opportunities that allow students to gain experience while contributing to the local economy through their research projects.
Meriden is an economically vibrant city that has managed to maintain its industrial roots even as it has grown into a modern city with numerous attractions and amenities for residents and visitors alike. With its diverse mix of businesses, educational institutions, and cultural attractions it is no wonder why Meriden continues to be an attractive place for people looking for employment or just looking for something new.
Politics in Meriden, Connecticut
Meriden, Connecticut is a vibrant city with a diverse mix of businesses, educational institutions, and cultural attractions. It is also home to an active political community that is engaged in local and national issues. In Meriden, all registered voters are eligible to vote in local elections. The city is governed by a mayor-council system with the Mayor of Meriden serving as the executive branch and the City Council representing the legislative branch.
The current Mayor of Meriden is Kevin Scarpati who was elected in 2019. He has been an advocate for economic development, public safety, and education throughout his tenure. The City Council consists of nine members who are elected from each of the nine wards in Meriden. The council meets regularly to discuss issues affecting the city such as budgeting, economic development, public safety, and more.
At the state level, Meriden’s citizens are represented by both Democrats and Republicans in both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly. Currently there are two Democratic State Representatives from Meriden: Steve Fontana and Hilda Santiago; two Democratic State Senators: Gary Winfield and Marilyn Moore; and one Republican State Senator: Len Suzio. All five representatives work together to pass legislation that benefits their constituents while also adhering to their own party’s ideologies when possible.
At the national level, Meriden’s citizens are represented by U.S Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT3) who was first elected in 1991 and John Larson (D-CT1) who was first elected in 1999. Both Representatives serve on numerous committees while advocating for policies that benefit their constituents such as healthcare reform, job creation through infrastructure investment, gun safety legislation, immigration reform, climate change legislation, equal pay for women and more.
Politics in Meriden reflect those at both state and national levels with Democrats typically dominating most races at all levels due to its liberal leanings on social issues such as abortion rights or LGBTQ+ rights but also due to its support for progressive economic policies such as minimum wage increases or paid family leave initiatives among others. Ultimately politics in Meriden can be described as progressive yet pragmatic with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for all citizens regardless of political affiliation or socioeconomic status while also maintaining fiscal responsibility when it comes to budgeting decisions.