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Putnam

putnamwww.putnamct.us

Although Putnam was not made an official town until 1855, earliest settlement date is around 1691 when a road was extended from Providence, RI to Woodstock, CT.  Initial settlers were engaged in agriculture.  The rich, fertile land and abundant water were the reasons for their locating here.

Grist mills, blacksmith shops, trip hammer and fulling mills grew up around Cargill Falls.  Mr. Smith Wilkinson and some family members came from Rhode Island in 1806, bought the mill complex, and built the first cotton textile mill in Windham County.  The second textile mill was built further upstream by James Rhodes in 1827.  Formation of the Union Block and Main Street commercial districts followed the coming of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad in 1839.

The Town of Putnam was named after General Israel Putnam – famous for cautioning his men at Bunker Hill, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”.

Larger textile mills followed, bringing about a need for laborers filled by immigrants from Canada and Europe.  The population increased enough for Putnam to become a city in 1895. This made available increased services for the townspeople.

In August of 1955, Putnam was devastated by a major flood.  Since the mid 1970’s, Putnam has rebuilt and progressed rapidly – expanding industry and population.  Putnam today is a bustling commercial, governmental, and cultural center containing Day Kimball Hospital, a branch of the Connecticut Superior Court and the Department of Motor Vehicles.  The town has also become well known as the Antique Capital of the Northeast and a unique dining destination with restaurants accommodating everyone’s tastes.  Historic sites include many early mills and mansions of mill owners.

PROFILE
Zip: 06260
Settled: 1691
Incorporated: 1855
Area: 20.4 square miles
Form of Government: Mayor / Board of Selectmen / Town Meeting
Mill Rate: 15.07, District 1: 8.4, District 2: 1.5, District 3: 1.0

IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Animal Control(860)963-6804
Assessor(860)963-6802
Economic Delevopment(860)963-6834
Fire Department(860)928-2919
Fire Marshal(860)963-6803
Mayor(860)963-6800
Parks and Recreation(860)963-6811
Police(860)928-6565
Public Library(860)963-6826
Selectmen(860)963-6800
Tax Collector(860)963-6806
Town Administrator(860)963-6800
Town Clerk(860)963-6807
Town Hall(860)963-6807
Transfer Station(860)963-6813
SCHOOLS
Putnam Elementary School(860)963-6925
Putnam High School(860)963-6905
Putnam Middle School(860)963-6920
Superintendent of Schools(860)963-6900

 



GOLD SPONSORS


Core Plus Credit Union
Day Kimball HealthEastern CT Saving Bank

NorthStar Home Loans

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Windham Golf Course

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Chamber & Community Calendar
19Feb
Chamber Member Spotlight on WILI Radio Willimantic
Feb 19, 2025 7:15am
20Feb
Tourism Conference 2025
Feb 20, 2025 8:30am
20Feb
Strong Like a Mother - New Moms Peer Support Group
Feb 20, 2025 10:30am
20Feb
Pathway to Homeownership FREE Workshops
Feb 20, 2025 5:00pmFREE Pathway to Homeownership Workshops
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