Then & Now: The Putnam House

Among the many historical houses in Danvers stands on Maple Street.

This house, located near Putnam Pantry, began as farmland owned by Danvers resident Thomas Putnam. It started to gain notoriety in the late 1600's during the witchcraft hysteria, when Jospeh Putnam lived in the home. In 1692, Putnam was known for speaking publicly about the hysteria and was widely against the accusations being made.    

After the witch trials, the home, along with the rest of the town, began to go back to normal. Not much attention was brought by the residents of the Putnam House until 1718, when Israel Putnam was born. Israel Putnam was born in the home and later went on to become a military general.

The attention this youngest Putnam brought to his family made him one of the most famous Putnam's and his story gained quite a bit of popularity and honor. Putnam lived in his home in Danvers until the age of twenty one. After he married Hannah Pope, he began serving in the French and Indian War. He didn't return to Massachusetts until he served under George Washington in the American Revolution. One of the reasons Putnam is popular among historians, is because it is claimed he is the one who spoke the famous words at Bunker Hill, "Don't fire till you see the whites of their eyes."

From witch hunts to battles of the Revolution, the Putnam House has been home to many prominent members of Danvers' history. The home is now privately owned, and can be seen at 431 Maple Street.