Cromwell is located in Middlesex County south of Hartford between Rocky Hill and Portland along Highway 17 on the banks of the Connecticut River near the Meshomasic State Forest.
Cromwells is on the Connecticut River and was either named for Oliver Cromwell, or for the steamboat that was named for him.
Cromwell once was a part of upper Middletown. In 1843 when Cromwell was still part of Middletown John and Elisha Stevens came and established a factory, which is believed to be the first cast ironing toys in the country.
Local attractions include: Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Area, Millanes Pond, Wangunk Meadows Wildlife Area, Meshomasic State Forest, the Connecticut River, and Coginchaug River.
Cromwell is part of the Hartford, Connecticut metro area.