Tadeusz Kościuszko
1746–1817 · Polish · American Revolution / Polish Uprising
Known for: Hero of two revolutions—designed West Point's fortifications and led Poland's 1794 uprising
Tadeusz Kościuszko was a Polish military engineer who served as a hero in both the American Revolution and the Polish struggle for independence. In America, he designed the fortifications at Saratoga and West Point that proved decisive for the Continental Army. He returned to Poland to lead the 1794 uprising against Russia and Prussia.
He was wounded and captured at Maciejowice, then freed by Tsar Paul I. He was a genuine universalist—his will stipulated that his American property be used to free and educate slaves. Thomas Jefferson, his friend and executor, failed to carry out this wish.
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