The statue was designed by sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and dedicated in 1969 in honor of Connecticut native Israel Putnam, a military officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

Israel Putnam was a military officer who served as a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

In one of his most well-known escapades, Putnam managed to escape capture by riding his horse down a notably steep hill that was considered unsafe for horse-riding.

[4] It was dedicated on September 21, 1969, near the entrance of the park,[9] with Albert D. Putnam, a descendant of Israel, giving the main speech at the ceremony,[10] during which he stated that his ancestor had "rode down the hill to everlasting fame and into the heart of Mrs.

[10] Another speech was given by Donald C. Matthews, Director of the Connecticut State Park and Forest Commission, who said: "We are here to honor two great citizens, General Israel Putnam and Mrs. Huntington, the most remarkable woman I have ever known.