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is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 31,876 at the 2000 census. The town was named after the English Glastonbury. Glastonbury is located on the banks of the Connecticut River, south east from Hartford. The town center is also defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place (CDP).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 52.3 square miles (135.4 km²), of which, 51.4 square miles (133.0 km²) of it is land and 0.9 square miles (2.4 km²) of it (1.76%) is water. The CDP has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12.5 km²) of it 1.45% is water.
The town begins on the banks of the Connecticut River and extends up into foothills, many of which provide a view of Hartford's skyline. Some major developments in the town are built entirely on relatively steep hills, such as "Minnechaug Mountain", the major residential area developed from the 70s until late 90s.
Part of Glastonbury resides in an area called "Kongscut Mountain", locally called "Rattlesnake Mountain", because it has a small population of Timber Rattlesnakes. Since that area is sparsely developed and mostly in a state forest, the snakes don't pose much of a threat. Incidents are rare and every known bite has been treated in time.
The town boasts a small private lake named Diamond Lake, which is surrounded by growing subdivisions of large homes. Access to Diamond Lake is limited to members of the Diamond Lake Property Owners Association.
Glastonbury has one of largest state forests, Meshomasic State Forest, a popular area for hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Glastonbury borders the town and cities of East Hartford, Wethersfield, Portland, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Marlborough, Hebron, Manchester, East Hampton and Bolton.