Israel Putnam

Israel Putnam. A foundational figure in early American military history, Israel Putnam rose from colonial farmer to a celebrated, if controversial, Continental Army general. His legendary exploits during the French and Indian War cemented his folk hero status in New England, which carried into his service as one of the first major generals appointed by the Second Continental Congress. While his aggressive tactics at the Battle of Bunker Hill became iconic, his later command decisions during the New York and New Jersey campaign faced significant criticism, marking a complex legacy within the American Revolutionary War.

Early life and family

Born in Salem Village, Massachusetts, he was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Putnam, part of a prosperous farming family. In 1740, he relocated to northeastern Connecticut, clearing land and establishing a successful farm and tavern in the area that became Brooklyn. His first marriage to Hannah Pope connected him to prominent local families, and after her death, he married the wealthy widow Deborah Lothrop, further solidifying his social standing. His homestead, known as Putnam Cottage or Knapp Tavern, became a local landmark and center of community life in the Connecticut Colony.

French and Indian War

Putnam’s military career began with the French and Indian War, where he served as a captain in a Connecticut Regiment under Robert Rogers. He gained fame for his daring and resilience, notably during the Battle of Fort Edward and the Rogers' Rangers expedition to Saint-François. According to popular legend, he was captured by Caughnawaga Mohawk warriors and saved from execution by a last-minute intervention from a French Army officer. He later participated in major campaigns, including the Siege of Havana in 1762, and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel in the provincial forces before retiring to his farm.

American Revolutionary War

Upon hearing of the clashes at Lexington and Concord, Putnam famously abandoned his plow and rode to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to join the nascent patriot forces. The Second Continental Congress appointed him one of its first four major generals, serving under Commander-in-Chief George Washington. He played a key role in planning the fortifications on Breed's Hill and is indelibly associated with the command, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes,” at the subsequent Battle of Bunker Hill. Later, he commanded troops during the pivotal New York and New Jersey campaign, but his performance at the Battle of Long Island and the loss of Fort Montgomery led to scrutiny. After a stroke in 1779, he was relieved of field command.

Later life and death

Following his stroke, Putnam returned to his farm in Brooklyn. Though partially paralyzed, he remained a respected public figure in the state. He corresponded with former comrades like George Washington and was visited by notable figures including the Marquis de Lafayette. His health continued to decline, and he died in May 1790. He was interred in an above-ground tomb at the Brooklyn South Cemetery, with a monument later erected by the state.

Legacy and memorials

Putnam’s legacy is a blend of documented history and enduring folklore, celebrating him as a quintessential American frontiersman and patriot. Numerous memorials bear his name, including Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding, Connecticut, the site of his 1779 winter encampment. Statues honor him in Hartford’s Bushnell Park and at the Bunker Hill Monument site in Charlestown, Massachusetts. His image has appeared on U.S. postage stamps, and several towns, counties, and schools, such as Putnam County, New York, are named for him. The Putnam Cottage in Greenwich, Connecticut, stands as a museum dedicated to his life and era.

Category:Continental Army generals Category:People of Connecticut in the American Revolution Category:People from Brooklyn, Connecticut