How About a Kosciuszko Day-- Part 5: Pronounced Kosh-Choosh-Ko

And, even though not as well known as Pulaski, there are places in the United States where he is remembered.

There are places named for him all over the world, including a bridge in Brooklyn, a county in Indiana, an island in Alaska and a park on Chicago's Northwest Side.  There is a statue of him near the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

Oprah Winfrey was born in Kosciuszko, Mississippi, and there is a Kosciuszko, Texas.  An exhibit about him opened at the Polish Museum of America.

But, the author believes the main problem with recognition is spelling and saying his name.  I have Kosciuszko down pretty well now.  But, the name is pronounced Kosh-choosh-ko.  And, I was pronouncing his name Koz-Cio-sko.  Need to brush up on my Polish.

--DaCootKo

How About a Kosciuszko Day-- Part 4: Captured By Russians, Returned to U.S.

After the war, Kosciuszko returned to Poland and fought for his own country.  He also advocated for full citizenship of peasants and Jews.  Eventually wounded in battle, he was captured by the Russians.  After the death of Catherine the Great, Czar Paul I pardoned him and set him free.

Kosciuszko returned to the United States for a time and became a friend of Thomas Jefferson.  Jefferson became both the executor and beneficiary of Kosciuszko's will.  He left Jefferson his wartime pay as compensation for freeing and the education of Jefferson's slaves.

--Cooter

How About a Kosciuszko Day?-- Part 3: Military Engineer

Kosciuszko made his reputation as a military engineer and architect, overseeing the building of fortifications and selecting sites to fight the British.  This protected the small Continental Army and delayed British forces.  He was promoted to brigadier general.

George Washington was a great admirer of the young Polish officer, but  is said to have trouble spelling his name.  One account said that  he spelled Kosciuszko's name eleven different ways.

During his time with the American Army, his orderly was the dedicated and intelligent Agrippa Hull, a free black man.  As the two bonded, Kosciuszko became increasingly dismayed that white Americans were fighting for universal principles that it denied to half a million enslaved blacks.

--Cooter

How About a Kosciuszko Day?-- Part 2: Early Leader of Universal Human Rights

The write, Mary Wisniewski, of Polish descent herself, says that Tadeusz Kosciuszki was also an American Revolution hero, but his name was much harder to pronounce (I am still having to look at the spelling when typing it).

However, he is more than just a symbol to pride and heroism.  He opposed the oppression of Jews and peasants in Poland and slavery in America.    He was an early leader for universal human rights.

Born in 1746 and a graduate of the Corps of Cadets in Warsaw, he studied in France and then worked as a tutor in Poland.  He fell in love with his employer's daughter and was severely beaten by her father's servants when they tried to elope..

Kosciuszko then went to France and eventually to North America where he joined the Continental Army.

--DaCoot

How About a Kosciuszko Day?-- Part 1: Another Polish Fighter in the American Revolution

From the March 4, 2018, Chicago Tribune "Kosciuszko hard to say, but just as heroic as Pulaski" by Mary Wisniewski.

Monday, March 5 was Pulaski Day to honor hero of the American Revolution, Casimir Pulaski, father of American cavalry and who gave his life in the cause of freedom.  He is honored with his day and here in Chicago with Pulaski Road.

Chicago was once the home of the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw.  There is still a lot of them living along Milwaukee Avenue in one area of Chicago.  Polish immigrants have contributed greatly to the United States.

--Cooter