Tadeusz Kosciuszko warrior of freedom

The main square in Krakow is roped off today for a run in honour of the polish freedom fighter Tadeusz Kosciuszko. But who was this man and why do we run in his honour.

Tadeusz Kościuszko: A Hero of Two Nations

On this day in 1794, Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish-Lithuanian military leader and revolutionary, launched the Kościuszko Insurrection against Russian and Prussian forces in a bold attempt to restore Poland’s sovereignty. His remarkable career, however, was not limited to European battlefields—Kościuszko was also a crucial figure in the American Revolution, fighting for the ideals of freedom and democracy in both the United States and his homeland.

Kościuszko’s Oath in Kraków

On March 24, 1794, in Kraków’s Main Square, Tadeusz Kościuszko took a solemn oath before the gathered citizens, declaring his unwavering commitment to Poland’s independence. Standing before the people, he proclaimed:

"I, Tadeusz Kościuszko, swear in the sight of God and the whole nation that I will not use the power vested in me for anyone’s oppression, but solely for the defense of the integrity of the borders, the regaining of the independence of the Nation, and the strengthening of universal freedom. So help me God and the innocent Passion of His Son."

This oath set the tone for the uprising, symbolizing his deep devotion to liberty and justice.

Kościuszko’s Role in the American Revolution

Before leading the 1794 uprising in Poland, Kościuszko made a name for himself in the American War of Independence. In 1776, he traveled to North America and joined the Continental Army, where his expertise as a military engineer played a vital role in several key battles.

Kościuszko’s most significant contributions came in fortifying strategic locations. His work on the defenses of Fort Ticonderoga and later at West Point, a crucial military stronghold on the Hudson River, proved invaluable to the American cause. His engineering skills were instrumental in the victory at the Battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the war that helped secure French support for the revolution.

After years of dedicated service, he was promoted to brigadier general and awarded the prestigious Cincinnati Order by George Washington. More than just a military leader, Kościuszko deeply believed in the principles of liberty and equality, advocating for the rights of enslaved people and even allocating his American estate to fund their education.

The Kościuszko Insurrection

After returning to Europe, Kościuszko continued his fight for freedom. In 1794, in response to Poland’s partition by Russia and Prussia, he initiated the Kościuszko Insurrection, rallying Polish troops and peasant militias against foreign domination. His forces achieved a notable victory at the Battle of Racławice, where scythe-wielding peasants helped secure a momentary triumph. However, despite his leadership and military brilliance, the uprising was ultimately crushed, and Poland was further partitioned.

A Legacy of Freedom

Although the insurrection failed, Kościuszko’s legacy endured. He spent his later years in exile, continuing to advocate for Polish independence and human rights. His commitment to democratic ideals, social justice, and national self-determination made him a revered figure in both Poland and the United States.

Mount Kościuszko and the Kościuszko Mound

Kościuszko’s legacy reaches far beyond Poland and the United States. The highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kościuszko, was named in his honor by Polish explorer Paweł Edmund Strzelecki in 1840. Strzelecki saw the peak’s resemblance to Kościuszko Mound in Kraków, a symbolic earthwork built in 1823 to commemorate the general’s contributions to freedom. The mound, constructed from soil brought from battlefields where Kościuszko fought, remains a national monument in Poland, representing his enduring influence and dedication to independence.

The Kościuszko Run in Kraków

Each year, on the anniversary of the Kościuszko Insurrection, Kraków honors its national hero with the Kościuszko Run. This event, held near the historic Kościuszko Mound, attracts participants from across Poland and beyond. The race symbolizes Kościuszko’s enduring spirit, uniting runners in a tribute to his fight for freedom and justice. It serves as a modern reminder of his lasting impact on Polish history and his unwavering dedication to the cause of independence.

Today, monuments to Kościuszko stand in cities across America, including Washington, D.C., and West Point, commemorating his contributions to the fight for independence. His life serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle for liberty knows no borders, and his ideals continue to inspire freedom movements worldwide.

As we mark the anniversary of the Kościuszko Insurrection, we remember not just a military leader, but a man whose unwavering belief in freedom and equality shaped history on both sides of the Atlantic.