Putnam Memorial State Park

Redding, CT

Go back in time to the Revolutionary War with a hands-on history lesson at Putnam Memorial State Park, dubbed “Connecticut’s Valley Forge”. Established in 1887, the park is the site of the Continental Army's 1779 winter encampment under the command of General Israel Putnam — the same General Putnam who allegedly killed Connecticut’s last wolf in Mashamoquet State Park’s famous Wolf Den. In 1778 and 1779, 3,000 soldiers camped in the strategic location to defend the Hudson River Valley and the Long Island Sound.

Today’s site consists of the encampment’s remains, reconstructed log buildings, and a museum. Along with standing exhibits, the park hosts historical reenactments, guided tours, and more throughout the year. Though similar encampments once dotted the northeastern seaboard, increasing development pressure encroached upon them. Putnam Memorial stands out as a relatively untouched parcel of its size is virtually unknown. To protect the park for posterity, the Connecticut Historical Commission designated it Connecticut’s first State Archeological Preserve. It is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Views from the Park

Couple holding one another during fall at Putnam State Park (Instagram@thecitybeyond)

Trail running in fall at Putnam Memorial State Park (Instagram@teixeirammaandfitness)

Monument at Putnam Memorial State Park (Flickr)

Location

499 Black Rock Turnpike
Redding, CT 06896

Get Directions

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Park Maps

Contact

Main (203) 938-2285

Activities

Overview

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Bus Permits are required for mid-size and full-size buses seating 30 or more passengers
Park Map

Camping

YOUTH GROUP CAMPING

Three large sites available: site 1 accommodates up to 50 campers, sites 2 and 3 each accommodate up to 100 campers
Open to qualified youth groups only
Advance reservations are required
Youth Group Camping

Fishing

Pack a picnic and set up pondside for a day of fishing at Putnam Park Pond. The 14-acre pond is well-stocked with a bounty of fish.

Types of fish: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, black crappie, black bullhead

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before heading out, be sure to check the latest conditions and fishing regulations.

Geology

Rock Types Found on Main Trail:

Metamorphic (Schist)

Rock Units:

Rowe Schist (Lower Ordovician or Cambrian):Fine to medium grained schist, light gray to silver

Minerals of Interest:

Garnet, Muscovite, Biotite

Interesting Geologic Features:

Rock Shelter (Philip's Cave), Rock Clusters (Revolutionary War Foundations)

Although referred to as a cave, Philip's Cave it is actually a plucked rock shelter that was glacially formed. South-facing rock shelters like this one were at one time used by Native Americans because they are warmed by the lower sun in the winter and protected from the higher sun in the summer. The rocks comprising the shelter are Rowe Schist. In this area of the park, the schist is rusty due to weathering.

Hiking

Historic

Combining natural beauty, history, and archeology, Putnam Memorial is one of the park system’s most underrated gems.

MUSEUM

Visit the museum to learn about the history of the encampment, the soldiers who camped here, colonial life, and the park itself. The museum contains exhibits, artifacts, and more.

VISITORS CENTER

Originally built in 1893 as a three season recreation pavilion, the covered space hosted town events, dances, and picnics. After an extensive restoration in 2005, the building was converted into the current Visitor’s Center. Stop in early in your visit to get an overview of the park, view informational kiosks about the encampment, and to see historic artifacts like tools, buttons, ammunition, and more.

INTERPRETIVE TRAIL

Take an archeological and historical tour of the park with a walk along the interpretive trail. The trail brings you to all the key destinations tucked within the park’s 183 acres, including:

A 44-foot-tall granite obelisk built in 1888 marks the site of the encampment and commemorates the commanding officers and men stationed here.
Putnam’s Escape at Horseneck Bronze Statue depicting General Israel Putnam’s legendary ride and narrow escape from the British.
Camp Guardhouse, a log hut built in 1778, then reconstructed in 1890.
Reconstructed replicas of the guard house and an officers' quarters.
Interesting geologic features like Rock Shelter, Phillip’s Cave, and large glacial erratics.
Two gardens reflecting traditional 18th-century gardens: one is a Paugussett-style “Three Sisters” garden and the other a typical colonist’s dooryard garden.
Numerous firebacks – the remains of the enlisted soldiers' chimneys, Civil War cannons, and miniature blockhouses.