 The oldest of the Housatonic valley's nine towns, Bethel was settled before 1700. Agricultural at the start, Bethel began to develop a manufacturing base before the end of the eighteenth century. Although the old factories are long gone, manufacturing still maintains a presence in the town, along with other businesses. Many companies are concentrated in two major sites, the Francis J. Clarke Industrial Park, and the Berkshire Industrial Park on Route 6. An attractive suburban town, Bethel also has many retail shops. Some of the most inviting are located in its busy downtown section, along Greenwood Avenue and adjacent streets.
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