Tadeusz Kościuszko
Tadeusz Kościuszko (1746–1817) was a Polish military leader and a hero of freedom in both Poland and the United States. Born into a noble but modestly wealthy family in what is now Belarus, Kościuszko devoted his life to the ideals of liberty, equality, and social justice.
Kościuszko’s early education at a progressive college in Poland and later studies in Paris shaped his vision of justice and resistance to oppression. He became a skilled military engineer, excelling in strategies and fortifications. His commitment to these values led him to join the American Revolutionary War in 1776, where he designed critical defenses, such as those at Saratoga and West Point. His work contributed significantly to American victories. Deeply affected by the existence of slavery in the United States, he advocated for the abolition of slavery and left a will dedicating his American assets to educating and freeing enslaved people.
After returning to Poland, Kościuszko fought for his country’s independence. He led the 1794 Kościuszko Uprising against Russian and Prussian forces, rallying people from all social classes and promoting civil rights for peasants. Despite his efforts and initial successes, the uprising was ultimately defeated, and Kościuszko was captured and imprisoned. Following his release, he lived in exile but remained a vocal advocate for freedom and Polish sovereignty.
Kościuszko spent part of his later life in France and Switzerland. From 1801 to 1815, he lived in La Genevraye, near Montigny-sur-Loing, at the estate of Swiss ambassador Peter Josef Zeltner. During this time, Kościuszko managed agricultural projects, introduced innovative farming techniques, and contributed to the local economy by starting brickworks. In 1814, during the Napoleonic Wars, he intervened to protect nearby villages from Russian troops, showcasing his dedication to safeguarding others.
The monument in Montigny-sur-Loing was built to honor Kościuszko’s contributions and his time in the region. The first monument was erected in 1836 on land donated by Frantz Zeltner, the son of Kościuszko’s host. Local villagers constructed a mound similar to a traditional Polish memorial and dedicated it to his memory. Over the years, the original structure deteriorated, but in 1917, on the centenary of Kościuszko’s death, a plaque was added to commemorate his legacy.
In 1924, the current monument was built, designed as a chapel by Fernand Lucas, with contributions from the France-Poland Committee and local supporters. A bronze medallion of Kościuszko, based on a design by the sculptor David d'Angers, adorns the monument. Situated at the edge of the Forest of Fontainebleau, the site has become a symbol of Franco-Polish friendship.
The monument, officially recognized as a historical site in 1993, stands as a tribute to Kościuszko’s life and values. Annual ceremonies are held to honor his memory and celebrate his dedication to freedom and justice. His actions in Montigny-sur-Loing, particularly his role in protecting local villages and promoting the welfare of the community, solidified his status as a hero.
Gallery
A translation of the monument reads,
Tadeusz Kościuszko
(1746–1817)
Supreme Commander of the Polish National Uprising in 1794
Honorary Citizen of the United States
General of the American Army in 1783
Citizen of the French Republic
Appointed by the Convention in 1792Protector of the populations of Montigny, La Genevraye, Sorques, Episy, and Berville
Lived from 1800 to 1815 among the people of these communities, who erected this monument in 1836 in memory of the great Polish patriot.
This plaque was placed by the Polish people on the centenary of his death,
October 15, 1917.