Last updated: April 5, 2024
Place
General Kosciuszko Statue
NPS / Claire Hassler
Quick Facts
Location:
Washington, DC
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Public Transit
The statue commemorates Polish patriot Thaddeus Kosciuszko (1746-1817) and his life-long dedication to fighting for freedom in America and Poland. His skill in building fortifications in key places, including West Point, contributed greatly to the success of freedom in the American Revolution. This bronze memorial, located at the northeast corner of Lafayette Park, was dedicated in 1910. The figure of Kosciuszko, on a granite pedestal, wears the uniform of a general of the Continental Army and his right hand holds a map of the fortifications of Saratoga, New York. Directly below Kosciuszko stands a defiant eagle with outspread wings. The eagle is guarding a flag, a shield, and a sword upon a portion of the globe showing America. On the opposite side is an eagle struggling fiercely with a snake atop a portion of the globe showing Poland.
Sculptor: Antion Popiel
Inscriptions
Pedestal, front
KOÅšCIUSZKO
Base, north side
SARATOGA
Base, west side
MILITARY ENGINEER
IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
FORTIFIED SARATOGA AND WEST POINT
Base, south side
RACÅ,AWICE
Pedestal, back
AND FREEDOM SHRIEKED
AS KOSCIUSZKO FELL
ERECTED BY THE POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF AMERICA
AND PRESENTED TO THE
UNITED STATES ON BEHALF OF THE POLISH AMERICAN CITIZENS
MAY 11, 1910
Base, east side
GENERAL THADDEUS KOÅšCIUSZKO
1745-1817
SON OF POLAND