Thaddeus Kosciuszko Statue, Philadelphia
The Thaddeus Kosciuszko Statue in Philadelphia, dedicated on July 3, 1979, symbolizes the enduring friendship and shared values between Poland and the United States. It honors General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Polish patriot and American Revolutionary War hero. The monument was presented as the official Bicentennial gift from Poland to the United States, in celebration of the 200th anniversary of American Independence.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko, born into a wealthy Polish family, received his early military education in Warsaw, followed by engineering studies in France. In 1777, he arrived in America, where he offered his expertise to the American colonists fighting for independence from British rule. Kosciuszko's contributions were pivotal, particularly in fortifying Philadelphia, securing a crucial victory at Saratoga, and designing the fortifications at West Point. Honored by Congress in 1783, he received citizenship, land, a pension, and the rank of Brigadier General before leaving for Europe in 1784.
Kosciuszko's dedication to freedom went beyond his American service. In 1789, he became a Major General in the Polish Army, leading the 1794 uprising against Russian control. Though captured and imprisoned in Saint Petersburg, he was released two years later. In 1797, he returned to the US, then settled in France to support Polish independence. He passed away in Switzerland, and his remains were moved to Cracow in 1818.
The monument in Philadelphia not only honors Kosciuszko's military and engineering feats but also celebrates his unwavering dedication to liberty and justice. His last residence in America, located at 301 Pine Street in Philadelphia, was declared a national memorial in 1976, further cementing his legacy in the fabric of American history and heritage.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko, born into a wealthy Polish family, received his early military education in Warsaw, followed by engineering studies in France. In 1777, he arrived in America, where he offered his expertise to the American colonists fighting for independence from British rule. Kosciuszko's contributions were pivotal, particularly in fortifying Philadelphia, securing a crucial victory at Saratoga, and designing the fortifications at West Point. Honored by Congress in 1783, he received citizenship, land, a pension, and the rank of Brigadier General before leaving for Europe in 1784.
Kosciuszko's dedication to freedom went beyond his American service. In 1789, he became a Major General in the Polish Army, leading the 1794 uprising against Russian control. Though captured and imprisoned in Saint Petersburg, he was released two years later. In 1797, he returned to the US, then settled in France to support Polish independence. He passed away in Switzerland, and his remains were moved to Cracow in 1818.
The monument in Philadelphia not only honors Kosciuszko's military and engineering feats but also celebrates his unwavering dedication to liberty and justice. His last residence in America, located at 301 Pine Street in Philadelphia, was declared a national memorial in 1976, further cementing his legacy in the fabric of American history and heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Philadelphia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko Statue on Map
Sight Name: Thaddeus Kosciuszko Statue
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Create Your Own Walk in Philadelphia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Philadelphia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Philadelphia Old City Walking Tour
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The Old City Center, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Franklin Parkway Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Fairmount Park Historical Houses Walking Tour
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In 1972, the park was placed on the National... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Philadelphia Introduction Walking Tour
The sixth largest city in the United States and the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a dynamic city heaped with old-world charm and contemporary infrastructure. Notable for its rich history, primarily as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love – a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
University of Pennsylvania Walking Tour
As America's first university, The University of Pennsylvania (aka Penn or Upenn, for short) has a history stretching back to the mid-18th century, closely bound with the city's colonial past and the birth of the United States. Initially, this Ivy League institution emerged as the College of Philadelphia, one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the US Declaration of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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