View from highway Photo view of memorial statue. 'Israel Putnam, ESQ, is a senior major general in the armies of the United States of America. He was born in Salem in the province of Massachusetts.' Connecticut State Route 169 National Scenic Byway A drive down Route 169 will instantly transport you to another era. The spectacular views are due to property owners who have worked to preserve characteristics that give the Byway a distinctly Southern New England feel.