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Equestrian Statue of Israel Putnam

The Equestrian Statue of Israel Putnam, also known as Putnam's Escape at Horseneck, is an equestrian statue in Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding, Connecticut. Designed by sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, it was completed in 1967, donated to the park in 1969, and dedicated on September 21, 1969. The monument honors Israel Putnam, a Connecticut native and Continental Army officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. The sculpture was inspired by Putnam’s famous escape in 1779, when he reportedly fled British troops by riding his horse down a steep hill considered unsafe for horseback travel. The monument was inspected in 1994 as part of Save Outdoor Sculpture!.

Israel Putnam equestrian statue of a man on horseback with one arm raised, set on a stone base amid trees and greenery.
The Israel Putnam equestrian statue stands on a stone base surrounded by trees and dense foliage.
October 1970 © · Public domain
Israel Putnam Equestrian Statue showing a rider on horseback with a raised fist, framed by autumn trees.
The Israel Putnam Equestrian Statue stands against a backdrop of colorful autumn foliage.
October 2013 © kenneth casper · Public domain
Israel Putnam equestrian statue on a sculpted base surrounded by autumn trees
The Israel Putnam equestrian statue rises above a stair-like base amid colorful fall foliage.
October 2010 © · Public domain
Bronze plaque mounted on a rough stone wall for the Israel Putnam equestrian statue
Bronze dedication plaque for the Israel Putnam statue mounted on a stone wall in Putnam Memorial State Park.
October 2010 © · Public domain

Identification

TitleEquestrian statue of Israel Putnam
TypeEquestrian statue
SubjectIsrael Putnam
HonoreeIsrael Putnam
Alternative titlePutnam's Escape at Horseneck

Historical context

Subject backgroundMilitary officer and major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War
Dedication speakersAlbert D. Putnam, a descendant of Israel Putnam; Donald C. Matthews, Director of the Connecticut State Park and Forest Commission
Park associationPutnam Memorial State Park served as Israel Putnam's winter encampment during the American Revolutionary War
Subject noteKnown for his actions during the war, including leading troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill
Subject significanceConnecticut native
Dedication remarksAlbert D. Putnam said his ancestor had 'rode down the hill to everlasting fame and into the heart of Mrs. Huntington'; Donald C. Matthews said, 'We are here to honor two great citizens, General Israel Putnam and Mrs. Huntington, the most remarkable woman I have ever known.'
Commemorated eventIsrael Putnam's escape from British troops in 1779, when he rode his horse down a steep hill in Greenwich, Connecticut to avoid capture

Creator

Artist residenceRedding, Connecticut, near Putnam Memorial State Park
ArtistAnna Hyatt Huntington
Artist known forEquestrian statues
Artist trainingStudied at the Art Students League of New York
Artist birthplaceBoston area
Artist nationalityAmerican
Artist recognitionRecognized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art as one of the preeminent female sculptors in the country
Sculptor death year1973

History and restoration

Late-career significanceOne of her last works before her death in 1973
Career significanceThe last of seven large equestrian statues Huntington created during her career
Inspected1994 as part of the Save Outdoor Sculpture! project
Dedicated21 September 1969
Completed1967
Inscription date1967
Created1966
Donated1969

Physical characteristics

Pedestal shapeRectangular
MaterialBronze
Pedestal materialFieldstone

Appearance

PosePutnam rides a horse while descending a flight of stairs
Left handHolding the reins
Body orientationBody partially turned backward
GazeLooking upward
Right hand gestureWaving his right fist in defiance
Horse expressionTerrified expression
Horse head orientationTurned to the left

Location and ownership

Current locationPutnam Memorial State Park, Redding, Connecticut, United States
Dedication locationNear the park entrance
Donated toPutnam Memorial State Park
Associated parkPutnam Memorial State Park
Sculptor inscription on baseANNA H. HUNTINGTON / 1967 / STANORIGG
Base markSTANORIGG
Pedestal plaqueA bronze plaque is attached to the pedestal, but the inscription text is not provided in the fragment