There are two Glastonburys. The famous historical town in Somerset, England; the site of the world-renowned annual music fest. Its US “twin”, in Hartford County, is charmingly located on the banks of the Connecticut River. It climbs the gentle foothills, with many vantage points overlooking the capital city, just 7 miles away to the north-east. http://www.glastonbury-ct.gov/

Some relatively steep hills, such as Minnechaug Mountain and Kongscut Mountain (locally known as "Rattlesnake Mountain", after its small population of Timber Rattlesnakes), are mature sites of major developments and forest preserves. The town boasts the small private Diamond Lake. One of the largest in Connecticut, Meshomasic State Forest, is a popular for hiking, fishing and hunting.

Glastonbury has multiple neighbors: East Hartford, Wethersfield, Portland, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Marlborough, Hebron, Manchester, East Hampton and Bolton.

Following white settlements in the Hartford area, 30 families from Pyaug (present-day Wethersfield) settled on the east bank of the river, known as Naubuc Farms. This tract of land was bought from the Native American sachem or Chief, Sowheag, for 12 yards of trading cloth!

These Native Americans were members of Algonquian tribes. Various clans inhabited the area, whose names are echoed to this day in roads and neighborhoods, recalling their history as they followed peaceful pastoral occupations. Naubucs, Nayaugs, and Wongonks have left their lasting mark. Their summer homes were longhouses along the river. In winter, they moved to the hills and lived in caves.

In 1693, Glassenbury came into existence by deed of incorporation. Around 1785 the name mutated into Glastenbury, morphing into its current name by town vote in 1870. www.hsgct.org.

Glastonbury achieved steady progress through the centuries from early farming origins into its present affluence. Industries such as gunpowder manufacture, (the factory belonging to George Stocking provided firepower to George Washington’s army), shipbuilding and sea-trade were mainstays until they were taken over by other industries such as JB Williams’ soap factory, which is believed to be the very first commercial soap business in the world.

The insatiable demands of subsequent wars both domestic and foreign: from leather and woolen goods to aircraft; from natural resources to manufactured items; from gunpowder to munitions, contributed further to industrial growth and prosperity. Feldspar mines and mills, granite quarries, cotton mills, paper mills and German Silver were all thriving enterprises.

Agricultural endeavors continued apace, giving rise to orchards that flourish even today. The famous Georgia peach is the result of one of the Hale brothers moving from Glastonbury to Georgia and continuing the family’s business there.

Glastonbury also holds a dubious honor. In 1948, the Saglio Brothers formed Arbor Acres and produced a chicken that was awarded the title “Chicken of Tomorrow” by A&P Food Stores. They were among the first to use genetic engineering and by 1958, sold worldwide.

An array of extraordinary notables past and present has contributed to the remarkable development of this town.

Bob Backlund, professional wrestler
Amy Brenneman, Emmy-nominated actress
Candace Bushnell, author of Sex and the City
Samuel Colt, inventor and industrialist
Gordie Howe, professional Hockey player
Laura Ingraham conservative talk radio host and author
Chris Lemmon, Film and television actor and writer. Son of noted actor Jack Lemmon.
John Levitow, Medal Of Honor
Michelle Lombardo, model

Modern day Glastonbury provides for its residents a tranquil, safe, more than averagely comfortable life with all modern amenities, an excellent school system. A town that cares for all age groups and their needs, an endless choice of outdoor and indoor activities, seasonal and year-long unique festivals such as the Apple Fest each October, cultural and art events, all are pieces of the colorful mosaic that completes the beautiful picture that is Glastonbury.