Kosciuszko's Monument (West Point) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kościuszko's Monument
United States
Kosciuszko's Monument at West Point
For General Tadeusz Kosciuszko's contribution to the defense of West Point during the American Revolutionary War
Unveiled	July 4, 1828
Location	near  Highland Falls, NY
Appointed Engineer-in-Charge of West Point's Fortifications by General George Washington

Kościuszko's Monument is a special statue and base at the West Point in New York. It honors Polish General Tadeusz Kościuszko. He was a hero who helped America during the Revolutionary War.

From 1778 to 1780, Kościuszko designed the defenses for West Point. This was a very important job. George Washington, the leader of the American army, thought West Point was the most important military spot in America.

The idea for the monument came in 1825 from John Latrobe. The base was set up in 1828. Much later, in 1913, the statue of Kościuszko was added. It was designed by D. Borja.

Kościuszko's Role at West Point

General Tadeusz Kościuszko was a brilliant military engineer. He arrived in America in 1776, ready to help the colonies fight for freedom. He quickly became known for his skills in building forts and defenses.

In 1778, George Washington asked Kościuszko to design the defenses for West Point. This place was key because it controlled a vital part of the Hudson River. If the British took West Point, they could split the American colonies in half.

Kościuszko worked hard for two years, from 1778 to 1780. He planned and oversaw the building of many forts, batteries, and other defenses. His work made West Point almost impossible for the British to capture.

Kościuszko and Military Education

Kościuszko believed that America needed a strong military school. He had studied at top military schools in Europe, like the Royal Knights School in Warsaw. He also learned a lot at the Ecole Militaire in France.

He often wrote to Thomas Jefferson, who later became president. Kościuszko shared his ideas about creating a school to train American officers. His vision helped inspire the creation of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

After the academy was established, Kościuszko continued to help. General William Davie asked him to write a special manual. This book, called Manoeuvres of Horse Artillery, became a textbook for students at West Point. It taught them important skills for using cannons with horses.

Images for kids

• 

  A closer look at the engraving on the monument.

• 

  The front of the monument with a plaque.

• 

  The back view of the monument.

• 

  The monument's base around 1900, before the statue was added.

• 

  The monument as seen from the Hudson River.