Born February 12, 1746
Breescin, Lithuania (then part of Poland)
Died October 15, 1817
Soleure, Switzerland

Polish-born American military leader

"A statesman … must strive to give unity of action to his nation and to establish [its] respectable and strong character."
Portrait: Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Reproduced courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko is one of Poland's most honored patriots as well as one of America's most honored heroes. Kosciuszko came to America during the Revolutionary War to help create a new independent nation. He built vital forts, then went on to become widely admired for his kindness and military skill. Back in Poland, he led his comrades in an effort to rid his country of Russian domination. Even today, his name stands as an international symbol of the fight for liberty and human rights.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko (pronounced THAD-ee-us ko-SHOE-sko) was born in the Lithuanian region of Poland on February 12, 1746. His...