Statue of Casimir Pulaski (Milwaukee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Count Casimir Pulaski |
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| Artist | Joseph Kiselewski |
| Year | 1931 |
| Type | bronze on granite pedestal |
| Dimensions | (72 on a 204 pedestal in) |
| Location | Milwaukee |
| 42°59′56.95″N 87°56′02.74″W / 42.9991528°N 87.9340944°W | |
Count Casimir Pulaski is a public statue by American artist Joseph Kiselewski. It is located in Pulaski Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. This bronze statue shows Count Casimir Pulaski standing tall. It is 6 feet (1.8 meters) high and stands on a 17-foot (5.2 meters) granite base.
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About the Pulaski Statue
The Count Casimir Pulaski statue is made of bronze. It shows Count Pulaski in his military uniform. He is pulling a sword from its holder on his left side. The statue has a blue-green coating called a patina. This coating forms naturally on bronze over time. The statue stands on a white granite base.
What the Statue Says
There are words carved into the statue and its base. On the bronze part, it says "J. Kisielewski." On one side of the stone base, it reads: "To the memory of Gen. Casimir Pulaski made glorious by his life and death 1746 1779." Another side says: "Erected- 1931." The third side simply reads: "Pulaski." The fourth side has words in Polish: "Na. Wieczna. Parniec. Iczesc. Naszego. Rodaka Kazimierza. Pulaskiego Pulacy. W. Milwaukee." This means "To the eternal memory and honor of our countryman Casimir Pulaski, Poles in Milwaukee." The Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture takes care of the statue.
Who Was Casimir Pulaski?
Count Casimir Pulaski was a brave soldier born in Warsaw, Poland, on March 6, 1745. He fought alongside his father to keep Poland free from the influence of Russia and Prussia. When their efforts did not succeed, Pulaski was forced to leave Poland by the Russians.
Pulaski Joins the American Fight
While in Paris, France, Pulaski met Benjamin Franklin. He was very excited by the idea of a new country fighting for its freedom. Pulaski offered to help America in its battle for independence. Franklin wrote a letter introducing Pulaski to General George Washington. Pulaski then sailed to America, arriving in Philadelphia in 1777.
Pulaski quickly showed he was a very skilled military leader. He was especially good with horses and cavalry. Because of his talents, the American Congress put him in charge of the new Cavalry (soldiers who fight on horseback). This is why Pulaski became known as the "Father of the American Cavalry."
Pulaski's Sacrifice
On October 9, 1779, during the Battle of Savannah, General Pulaski bravely charged into the fight on horseback. He was badly wounded by a cannon blast and fell to the ground. Even his enemies were impressed by his courage. They allowed him to be carried away from the battlefield. Pulaski died a few days later, on October 15, 1779.
Creating the Pulaski Statue
In Milwaukee, a group called the Polish Army Veterans Post No. 3 wanted to honor Pulaski. They decided to do this for the 150th anniversary of his death. Many Polish-American groups and a Polish newspaper helped raise money for the statue.
Why a Standing Statue?
Many people thought a statue of Pulaski on a horse would be best, since he was the "Father of the American Cavalry." However, the Great Depression was happening at the time. This was a period when many people had little money. Because of this, the Veterans could only raise about $12,000. This amount was enough for a full-length statue of the general standing up, but not for one with a horse. The Pulaski Monument Association chose Joseph Kiselewski's design, which is the statue we see today.
