Pomfret, Connecticut
Windham county. Pomfret was first settled in 1686. Incorporated, 1713. Its Indian name was Mashamoquet. The surface of the town is pleasantly diversified by hills and valleys: from some of the elevations, delightful views are obtained. The soil is deep, strong and fertile, and, although somewhat stony, is very productive and exceedingly well adapted for grazing. A considerable amount of the productions of the dairy are sent to market. The Quinnebaug and several of its branches water the town, and flourishing manufacturing establishments of cotton and other materials are springing up within its borders. Pomfret lies 40 miles E. by N. from Hartford, 7 N. from Brooklyn, and 30 W. from Providence, R.I. Population, 1830, 1,981.
Pomfret contains the "Wolf Den," celebrated for the bold exploit of the gallant Putnam, who resided here for some years. He died at Brooklyn, in this state, in 1790. The aperture to this den or cave, which is situated under a high ledge of rocks, is about two feet square. It is aout forty feet in length, narrow, of uneven surface, and in no part of it can a man stand upright. The sides of this cave are of smooth rock, which appear to have been rent asunder by an earthquake. After making the necessary preparations for his venturous expedition, Putnam entered the den, and "having groped his passage in the horizontal part of it, the most terrifying darkness appeared in front of the dim circle of light afforded by his torch. It was silent as the house of death. None but monsters of the desert had ever before explored this solitary mansion of horror. He cautiously proceeding onward came to the ascent; which he slowly mounted on his hands and knees until he discovered the glaring eye-balls of the wolf, who was sitting at the extremity of the cavern.
