Israel Putnam (1718-1790), also known as “Old Put,” was born in the Putnam House in Danvers, Massachusetts. After living in Danvers for much of his youth, he moved to Connecticut in the hopes of purchasing cheap land. While living in Connecticut he served in a militia unit during the French and Indian War. Putnam saw many battles, but he did not have formal military training. Before any battle took place in the American Revolution, Putnam was a member of the Connecticut Sons of Liberty. After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Putnam gathered a militia and headed to Boston.

The Siege of Boston was an eleven-month event during the beginning of the American Revolution. Initially there was not a formal army, until General George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of a newly formed Continental Army. One of the only battles during the Siege of Boston was the Battle of Bunker Hill. Old Put was one of the commanders during the battle and is most known for telling his men, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” The American forces were lacking in resources and did not have enough ammunition to win the battle. Many people comment on the bravery of Putnam and admire his leadership, but he did make some poor decisions along with some of the other leaders. One decision was to make a stand on Breed’s Hill, instead of Bunker Hill. It is a common misconception that the battle took place on Bunker Hill. Although the British forces forced the Americans out of Charlestown, General Washington acknowledged Putnam by giving him command of the reserve division for the Siege of Boston. 

By: Jessica McKenzie

Credits and Sources:

Bailyn, Bernard. “The Battle of Bunker Hill.” Massachusetts Historical Society. Accessed September 16, 2016. https://www.masshist.org/bh/essay.html

McGrath, Nicholas. “Israel Putnam.” Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Accessed September 16, 2016. http://www.mountvernon.org/digital-encyclopedia/article/israel-putnam/