THADDEUS KOSCIUSZKO (1746-1817) – As my last name makes clear, I’m of Polish American descent. Last 4th of July I made a blog post about the Polish General Casimir Pulaski‘s career during the Revolutionary War. This year I’m taking a look at another Polish officer who served in the American armed forces during that conflict.
Just as Pulaski is remembered as “the father of American cavalry,” Kosciuszko is often referred to as the father of America’s Army Corps of Engineers. Thaddeus’ brilliant improvisational engineering and architectural works proved essential to winning American independence.
After receiving his education and military training in Europe, Kosciuszko sailed for America in June 1776. Unlike his fellow Pole Casimir Pulaski, he had missed out on serving in the Bar Uprising in Poland and was enthusiastic about fighting in the Revolutionary War. Poland’s long history of religious tolerance made Thaddeus feel a certain kinship with those who held similar sentiments in our emerging nation.
By August 30th of 1776 Kosciuszko was in Philadelphia presenting his request for service to the Second Continental Congress. The next day he was accepted and assigned to America’s Continental Army. Thaddeus’ first undertaking was the construction of fortifications at Fort Billingsport in Paulsboro, NJ to prevent a British advance up the Delaware River. Continue reading
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