Bethel (BE-thuhl), town (1990 pop. 17,541), Fairfield co., SW Conn.; 41°22'N 73°24'W. Mfg. (wire, textiles, fabricated metal prods., chemicals, electronic components, diamond jewelry prods., batteries, dental and optical components, and tool and die prods.; aluminum and steel fabrication, comercial printing). P. T. Barnum b. here. Founded c.1800, inc. 1855.