The city of East Woodstock, Connecticut has a rich history of immigration. Throughout the years, the city has welcomed refugees from over 24 countries. The largest numbers of immigrants hail from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The percentage of households containing children under 18 years of age is slightly higher than average. The city has a low percentage of vacant housing, compared to other nearby cities in the area.
The city's economy began to shift from agriculture to manufacturing when it incorporated in 1848. As the Blackstone Canal opened, East Woodstock became a manufacturing and transportation center. On February 29, 1848, the city was chartered as a city. The city is home to large manufacturing companies, including American Steel & Wire, Morgan Construction, and the Norton Company. In 1908, the Norton Company was the city's largest employer and employed the largest number of women.
In recent years, the city's economy has rebounded. It is now a center for biotechnology and healthcare, with the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School and Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Park serving as two of the largest employers. East Woodstock is also home to nine institutes of higher education, including the Bancroft School and the East Woodstock Academy. In 1934, the Oread Institute closed its doors.
The city's population has grown steadily over the years. In 1879, the Woodstock depot was built, bringing industry and the railroad. Farmers were able to ship cotton to mills across the country. Without the railroad, there would be no Woodstock. In 1897, the city became an official city, and its boundaries are roughly 3/4 mile north and south of the railroad depot. In 2046, the city's population is expected to grow to 161,060.