Putnam Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Putnam Farm
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Spaulding Road, Brooklyn, Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Area | 9.4 acres (3.8 ha) |
| Built | 1750 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004399 |
| Added to NRHP | March 11, 1982 |
The Putnam Farm is a very old farm located on Spaulding Road in Brooklyn, Connecticut. It's a special place because it was once owned by Israel Putnam, a famous military leader from the 1700s. He fought in important wars like the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. This farm, with its house built around 1750, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.
Contents
About Putnam Farm's History
The Farm's Location and Look
The Putnam Farm is in a quiet, country part of northern Brooklyn. It sits on the north side of Spaulding Road. The house faces south, looking towards the road. Stone walls line the road near the farm.
The house itself is quite large. It has two and a half stories and a pointed roof. Its outside walls are made of clapboard. The front of the house has eight sections for windows or doors. It has two entrances and windows that are not placed perfectly evenly. The house actually started as two separate buildings. Later, the space between them was filled in. Inside and out, you can see simple designs from the Federal period. This includes the decorations around the fireplaces.
Who Was Israel Putnam?
Israel Putnam was born in Danvers, Massachusetts. In 1739, he bought about 500 acres of land. This land was then part of Pomfret, Connecticut. He bought it from the Massachusetts Governor, Jonathan Belcher. Putnam became a very successful farmer. He raised both cattle and sheep on his land.
The oldest part of the farm's house was built by Putnam around 1750. He needed more space for his growing family. Putnam was a brave soldier in the colonial militia. He fought well during the French and Indian War. His actions made him famous throughout the British colonies.
In 1767, Putnam moved to Brooklyn village. There, he ran a tavern and got involved in local politics. He left his son in charge of the farm. Israel Putnam later became even more famous. He played a big role in the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War.
Later Owners of the Farm
In 1795, Israel Putnam's son sold the farm to a neighbor. The house Putnam built was made twice as big in the early 1800s. At that time, it also got its simple Federal style.
In 1839, Joshua Collins bought the farm. His family owned the property for over 100 years. After World War II, the Collins family sold most of the farmland. This left the house standing on about 9 acres of land.
