Thaddeus Kosciuscko National Memorial, July 2017

– Revolutionary War Series –

At just 0.02 acres in size, Thaddeus Kosciuscko National Memorial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the smallest unit in the National Park Service system. A short walk from Independence National Historical Park, this rarely-visited site commemorates the life of one of America’s two most famous Polish-American war heroes (the other being Casimir Pulaski, the “father of American cavalry” for whom Georgia’s Fort Pulaski is named). Before going on to lead a failed revolt in Imperial Poland, Kosciuszko played a critical role in constructing many of the Continental Army’s fortifications during the American Revolution; in 1778, he was appointed chief engineer at West Point, which would go on to host the US Military Academy. Release from prison after serving time for his role in Poland’s 1794 insurrection, Kosciusko returned to Philadelphia in 1797 and occupied this modest, brick home at 3^rd and Pine Streets. Today’s Kosciusko House features a small room of exhibits and a video—upstairs—on Kosciusko’s life and contributions.

Kosciuszko House in Philadelphia