Memorial to Polish Hero Thaddeus Kosciuszko

Who is that guy?
The Kosciuszko Monument in Lafayette Park on Pennsylvania Avenue is another one of those, "Who's that guy?" statues. Tourists might pause to read the inscription as they cross the street to have their photos taken in front of the White House. Students of history, or those who have Polish connections, will recognize Thaddeusz Kosciuszko as the Polish military hero of the American Revolution.

The sculpture by Antoni Popiel was dedicated by President Taft in 1910, and is just one of such monuments in many cities in the United States. West Point also has a monument to Kosciuszko, to honor his engineering skills in building the fortifications at West Point in 1778.

From painter to engineer.
Thaddeusz Kosciuszko was trained as a military officer at a Polish military school, but received a well rounded education as fitted a member of his class. He considered becoming a painter, and headed for Paris, but he found studying engineering more to his liking and talents.

From engineer to hero.
Kosciuszko seemed to be searching for a cause, and found it as the head engineer of the Continental Army. He was very impressed with Thomas Jefferson as the writer of the Declaration of Independence, and eventually they became good friends. Kosciuszko was one of the wide range of intellectual guests who visited frequently at Monticello. One can imagine the discussions these two great men would have, with so much in common. Jefferson was fascinated by engineering and was constantly designing and re-designing his home. Kosciuszko was against slavery, and acted upon his beliefs by eventually freeing his own serfs, and encouraged others, including Jefferson, to do the same.

He lived in interesting times.
Kosciuszko returned to Poland and military service in Europe. His life brings to mind the Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times." His adventures, feats, and influence are enough for a whole crowd of men, not just one, and he threw himself into all his exploits with idealistic determination. If you have an interest in history, politics, or human nature, you will find the many lives of Thaddeusz Kosciuszko engrossing.