Tadeusz Kosciuszko

Tadeusz Kosciuszko – Hero of the American Revolution

Tadeusz Kosciuszko was born in the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1746. Unknown to most Americans, he went on to be one of the great heroes of the American Revolution.

Tadeusz Kosciuszko arrived in America just one month after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Initially, he served as a volunteer, but was soon promoted to head engineer for the entire Continental Army. On September 24, 1776, Kosciuszko’s first task was to fortify the banks of the Delaware River against a possible British crossing. Later, he commanded the construction of several forts and military camps along the Canadian border. His work made significant contributions to the Battle of Ticonderoga and victory at Saratoga in 1777. George Washington then assigned him to oversee the military engineering works at the stronghold of West Point on the Hudson River.

Ultimately, Tadeusz Kosciuszko was sent to Pennsylvania to work with the Continental Army. Shortly after arriving, he read the Declaration of Independence and it moved him to tears, because the document contained everything he believed. In fact, he was so moved that he decided to meet with Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration. The two met in Virginia a few months later at Jefferson’s estate, Monticello. After spending the day discussing philosophy and other shared interests, they became close friends. Kosciuszko would be a guest at Monticello on many occasions.

In recognition of his dedicated service, Tadeusz Kosciuszko was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 1783. George Washington also presented Kosciuszko with two pistols and a sword as gifts for his outstanding service to America. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States that same year. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “He is as pure a son of liberty as I have ever known.”

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