Town of Putnam

Facts about Putnam

Town/City established:

• Incorporated in 1855.

Named from:

• This town was named from Israel Putnam, an American army general officer who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War.

County:

• Windham County.

Notable citizens (past and present):

• Bruce Boisclair, former MLB player for the New York Mets.
• Brooke Brodack, actress and comedian.
• Gertrude Chandler Warner, children’s author. Famous for The Boxcar Children series.

Top Five Attractions:

• Putnam River Trail.
• Antiques Marketplace
• Bradley Playhouse.
• Sawmill Pottery.
• Connecticut National Golf Club.

Annual Visitor’s Events:

• Fire & Ice, February
• O'Putnam 5K Race, March.
• Memorial Day Parade, May.
• First Fridays, Art & Culture Festival; May-October.
• Rubber Duckie Race, August.
• Main Street Car Cruise, August.
• Riverfire, September.
• Great Pumpkin Festival, October.
• Trick-or-Treat Street, October.
• Holiday Dazzle Light Parade, November.

Quality of town/city:

• This quaint New England town is nestled on the banks of the Quinebaug River in the northeast corner of the state. Putnam is renowned for its antique market, boasting several shops with unique items. Recently, the town has been re-inventing itself with an “Arts & Al Fresco” motif featuring small boutiques, theaters and art galleries. Aside from the arts and culture, Putnam offers several outdoor recreation options, like the Putnam River Trail. The trail runs two miles through woodlands, parks, antique shopping district and near the mills. The pet-friendly river trail offers running, hiking, walking, biking and roller skating.