Israel Putnam House
Birthplace of Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam, this 17th-century home is a significant historical landmark in Danvers, MA.
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Best Time
See flowering trees
Israel Putnam House
Best Time
See flowering trees
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Birthplace of Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam, this 17th-century home is a significant historical landmark in Danvers, MA.
"A historical gem in need of preservation, offering a glimpse into colonial life and revolutionary history."
Exterior Viewing Only
The house is not open to the public for tours. Enjoy the exterior and surrounding grounds. :camerawithflash:
Research History
Learn about General Putnam and the Salem Witch Trials for a richer experience. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Putnam House Exterior
Danvers, Massachusetts
Admire the architecture of this 17th-century home, the birthplace of a Revolutionary War hero. A glimpse into early American life.
Historical Context
Surrounding area
Learn about General Israel Putnam's role in the Revolution and his family's connection to the Salem Witch Trials era.
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Planning Your Visit
Preserving a Piece of History
Understanding the Putnam Legacy
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Exterior Viewing Only
The house is not open to the public for tours. Enjoy the exterior and surrounding grounds. :camerawithflash:
Research History
Learn about General Putnam and the Salem Witch Trials for a richer experience. :books:
Check for Updates
Visitor access and renovation status can change. Check local historical society sites. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
Exterior Viewing Only
The house is not open to the public for tours. Enjoy the exterior and surrounding grounds. :camerawithflash:
Research History
Learn about General Putnam and the Salem Witch Trials for a richer experience. :books:
Check for Updates
Visitor access and renovation status can change. Check local historical society sites. :information_desk:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Israel Putnam House is a historically significant 17th-century home, birthplace of Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam. While its historical importance is recognized, visitors note its current state of disrepair and lack of public access, making it primarily an exterior viewing experience.
"The Israel Putnam House in Danvers, Massachusetts, was built around 1648 and is the birthplace of American Revolution General Israel Putnam, born here in 1718.
At the time, Danvers was known as Salem Village. Putnam’s parents played a notable role in the Salem Witch Trials era, signing a petition in defense of Rebecca Nurse—one of the accused who was ultimately executed.
Israel Putnam later moved to Pomfret, Connecticut, where he gained early fame for killing what was said to be the last wolf in the state. He went on to fight in the French and Indian War and, during the American Revolution, became known as “Old Put” for his leadership at the Battle of Bunker Hill."
RoadTrip NewEngland
"House was built in 1648 ( awesome 🤩🇺🇸). The house REALLY needs to be renovated. Shocked that the state of Massachusetts would let this historical landmark fall apart. Maybe start a fundraiser to save this home 😃…."
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage LLC
"“Lt. Thomas Putnam (1615–1686), built the home circa 1648. His grandson, Israel Putnam, the famous general of the American Revolution, was born in the house.
Lt. Thomas Putnam was the father of Sgt. Thomas Putnam Jr., (Israel's half-uncle), a notorious figure in the Salem witch trials.
The Putnam House is now owned by the Emerson Family, the same owners of Putnam Pantry.
Israel Putnam was significant in the Battle of Bunker Hill, “Old Put.”
Sadly this house is falling apart, and I couldn’t even see historical markers anymore.
The Putnam family gained wealth by testifying against neighbors and rivals (all descendants of the Towne family) and having all the female descendants murdered during the Salem witch trials, except for Sarah, who was jailed for nine months and then released.
A Nurse defendant sold the Rebecca Nurse land to a Putnam descendant years later so maybe they found a way forward after a kind of evil I cannot fathom?
The Putnams did have those who served honorably in the revolution of the country."
Kristy Johnson
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Israel Putnam House is located in Danvers, Massachusetts. It's best accessed by car. Parking may be limited, so consider visiting during off-peak hours. Public transportation options are scarce in this area.
Information on dedicated parking is limited. Visitors often park on nearby streets. Be mindful of local parking regulations and respect private property.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Unfortunately, the Israel Putnam House is not open to the public for interior tours. Visitors can only view the exterior of the historic home.
As the house is not open for tours, there are no official visiting hours. You can view the exterior at any time, but it's recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Since interior tours are not available, there is no admission fee to visit the Israel Putnam House. You can appreciate its historical significance from the outside.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the exterior of the 17th-century house, which is the birthplace of General Israel Putnam. The surrounding grounds, especially during spring with flowering trees, can be quite pleasant.
As the house is only viewable from the exterior, accessibility is limited to the grounds. Paved paths may not be present, so visitors with mobility issues should exercise caution.
While historical markers may have been present in the past, recent visitor feedback suggests they may be difficult to find or no longer visible. It's advisable to research the history beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the street in front of the house. Consider the surrounding trees, especially when in bloom or showing fall colors, to frame your shots.
No, interior photography is not permitted as the house is not open for public access.
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The Putnam Family Legacy
However, the house's history is also intertwined with the darker period of the Salem Witch Trials. Lt. Thomas Putnam, who built the home, was the father of Sgt. Thomas Putnam Jr., a notable accuser during the trials. This connection adds a layer of complexity to the site's historical narrative, highlighting the varied roles individuals played during this tumultuous era in colonial Massachusetts.
While the house itself is a tangible link to these historical figures, it's important to note that it is currently in a state of disrepair and not open for public tours. Visitors can appreciate its historical importance by viewing the exterior and understanding the rich, albeit sometimes somber, history associated with the Putnam family.
A Landmark in Need of Preservation
Despite its historical importance, recent observations from visitors and reviews highlight a pressing concern: the deteriorating condition of the house. Many express disappointment and concern that such a vital piece of history is not being adequately maintained. There's a strong sentiment that the state of Massachusetts should prioritize its preservation, with some suggesting fundraising efforts to support necessary renovations.
Currently, the house is not open to the public, and its future preservation status remains a topic of discussion among those interested in historical sites. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the exterior while being aware of its current state and the ongoing need for conservation.
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