Travel in Time with Dan: The Forgotten Celebrity – Israel Putnam, The Wolf Hunter and Citizen Soldier
Hey everybody, how are you doing? This is Dan Blanchard with the Travel in Time with Dan Show, where we mix travel with history and with leadership. Today, we’re looking back at a truly great historical figure: Israel Putnam. We’re here in Hartford, Connecticut, discussing a man who, believe it or not, was once a big-time celebrity—perhaps even more famous than George Washington for a period! While George Washington eventually grew into his celebrity and Putnam’s fame diminished in history, back in the day, he may have been the most famous and popular colonist in the 13 colonies.
But who was Israel Putnam? Before we’re done, you might be thinking, “Wow, that guy did like everything”.
The Legendary Wolf Guy
Some of us may know Israel Putnam primarily as “the wolf guy”. Putnam moved from Massachusetts to the northeast corner (the Quiet Corner) of Connecticut with dreams to tame Connecticut’s wilderness. While there, a she-wolf was causing major problems for the local livestock, terrifying the community. There’s even a story claiming this she-wolf took out 70 of Putnam’s sheep in a single night!
Putnam took matters into his own hands. He had a buddy tie a rope around his leg, and he descended into the wolf’s den in Pomfret with just a torch. When he spotted the wolf, he yelled, “Pull me out, pull me out!”. Once out, he demanded his gun. He went back into the small den, and they say he shot and killed the wolf just as it was about to attack him. This legendary act of courage ended the farmer’s problems, and many believe this was the last wolf in Connecticut. Today, the wolf’s den is a monument called the Putnam Wolf Den.
A Brave, Talented Soldier
Putnam was much more than just a wolf guy; he was a very talented, skilled, and brave soldier. He first made a name for himself during the French and Indian War, utilizing tactics that gained him notice. He even caught the eye of the Rogers Rangers and became one of them. The Rogers Rangers were an elite military group, considered like special forces, filled with expert shooters. Being part of this group was a pretty big deal. His skill set included using a small group of men to perform unexpected maneuvers, often defeating larger British units, demonstrating his effectiveness at that type of warfare.
Patriot and Political Force
Beyond his military prowess, Putnam was deeply involved in the growing resistance against England. He was part of the Sons of Liberty and was actually one of the founders of the Connecticut chapter of the organization, known for actions like dumping tea into the Boston Harbor.
Putnam was fierce in his opposition to British taxation. He confronted Connecticut Governor Fitch and demanded, “Hey, do not follow that Stamp Act that England is forcing upon us. We will not pay that tax. Don’t you dare”. Some stories suggest he actually threatened the governor, who subsequently agreed not to follow the Stamp Act.
The Admired Citizen Soldier
What people tended to admire most about Israel Putnam was his role as a citizen soldier or a farmer general. This type of character, akin to an old Roman-like ideal, is highly respected in this country.
Putnam exemplified this role perfectly: when problems arose in Boston with the English, he put down his plow, hopped on his horse, and rode 100 miles to join the fight. He was part of the Battle of Bunker Hill/Breed’s Hill.
He is famously credited with the legendary command: “Don’t shoot ’til you see the white of their eyes”. While there is some discussion about whether Prescott said it, the majority of people credit this directive to Israel Putnam, or “Old Putt”.
Putnam was seen as a regular guy—a regular farmer—who wasn’t looking for glory but was simply doing his patriotic duty: dropping the plow, picking up the gun to defend his country, and then coming back to drop the gun and pick up the plow again.
His Enduring Connecticut Legacy
Even though he may not be as popular as George Washington today, Israel Putnam remains one of the big historical figures of Connecticut, alongside others like Nathan Hale and the infamous Benedict Arnold.
You won’t have trouble finding things named after him throughout Connecticut:
- The quaint town of Putnam, Connecticut (in the Quiet Corner).
- The Putnam State Forest in Redding.
- The Putnam Wolf Den in Pomfret.
- The Putnam Cottage (the Knapp Tavern) in Greenwich, Connecticut.
- The Putnam School.
Leadership Lessons from Old Putt
When we examine Putnam’s life through the lens of leadership, a few qualities stand out. His men loved him, and he was one of the great leaders of his day.
- Courage: No doubt about it, Putnam was overflowing with immense courage. You must have an immense amount of courage to be a great leader.
- Toughness: He was also overflowing with toughness. You have to be tough to be a great leader.
- Thinking Outside the Box: His effectiveness in warfare, particularly utilizing specialized tactics like those of the Rogers Rangers, demonstrates a talent for thinking outside the box.
That courage and toughness, coupled with his innovative tactics, were the cornerstones of his leadership.
Uncovering History. Inspiring Leadership. The Travel in Time Show is where travel, history, and leadership intermingle with history teacher, author, and speaker Dan Blanchard
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*Watch Dan’s YouTube video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siuaiYtAGkM&t=8s
*Listen to Dan’s podcast on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Vb3ogtuflGh9h28axdvfJ?si=inHoJJpPSo-CFpa428OsBw
*See Dan’s Interview with Israel Putnam: (Coming Soon)
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