Tadeusz Kosciuszko

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Many Americans think of Casmir Pulaski when they think of the American Revolution. And rightly so, as Pulaski was the father of American Calvary, besides having given his life in the defense of Savannah.

There was, of course, another great Pole who contributed to our heritage during the Revolutionary War, and his birthday was February 4th. Tadeusz Kosciusko was a military engineer and leader who contributed to both the fortifications of West Point, NY and the establishment of American artillery.

After the Revolutionary War, Kosciuszko returned to Poland. In 1794, he led an uprising against the combined Prussian and Russian forces for their harsh rule of formerly Polish lands grabbed under the first two partitions of Poland in 1772 and 1793. Fighting an uprising with many armed with nothing more than harvesting scythes, Kosciuszko enflamed the imagination and hearts of his countrymen.

Tadeusz Kosciuszko above all else believed in equality. He was vocal against the treatment of Black slaves and the indigenous peoples of North America. However, his actions spoke even louder than his words. Upon his return to Poland, Kosciuszko freed all the serfs slaved to his lands.

A statue of Tadeusz Kosciuszko stands in LaFayette Square opposite the White House.