General Israel Putnam House, Colonial house in Danvers, Massachusetts
The General Israel Putnam House is a colonial-era wooden house in Danvers, Massachusetts, notable for having two different roof styles on the same structure: a steep-pitch roof and a gambrel roof, both clad in clapboard siding. The building rises two and a half stories and has an irregular footprint that reflects how the structure was expanded over time.
The house was built around 1648 by Lt. Thomas Putnam and later became the birthplace of his grandson Israel Putnam, who rose to become a general during the American Revolution. The Putnam family remained rooted in this area for several generations, shaping much of what happened in the town during the colonial period.
The house carries the name of a general who fought in the Revolutionary War, which gives it a lasting place in the memory of the region. Visitors can see how a prosperous colonial family built and arranged their home in early New England.
The house is managed by the Danvers Historical Society, and seeing the interior requires contacting them ahead of your visit to arrange a tour. The property sits on Maple Street in Danvers, and having a car is the easiest way to get there.
Joseph Putnam, a family member who lived in this house, refused to take part in the Salem witch trials of 1692 and openly protected people who were accused. He reportedly kept a horse saddled and ready at all times so he could flee if authorities tried to arrest him.
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