Włodzimierz Krzyżanowski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Włodzimierz Krzyżanowski
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Włodzimierz Krzyżanowski
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| Birth name | Włodzimierz Bonawentura Krzyżanowski |
| Nickname(s) | Kriz |
| Born | July 8, 1824 Rożnowo, Grand Duchy of Poznań |
| Died | January 31, 1887 (aged 62) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General Brigadier General (temporary) |
| Unit | Army of the Potomac Army of the Cumberland |
| Commands held | Polish Legion Krzyżanowski's Brigade, XI Corps |
| Battles/wars | 1848 Polish Uprising American Civil War |
| Relations | cousin of Frédéric Chopin |
| Other work | civil engineer, military territorial administrator, Treasury Department clerk, customs agent |
Włodzimierz Bonawentura Krzyżanowski (born July 8, 1824 – died January 31, 1887) was an important Polish American figure. He was an engineer, a politician, and a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Born into a noble Polish family, he fought in the 1848 uprising against Prussia. After the uprising failed, he moved to the United States. When the American Civil War began, he joined the Union Army. He even helped create a special group of Polish soldiers called the "Polish Legion."
One of his most famous moments was at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. He helped defend a key area called East Cemetery Hill from a strong attack. After the war, he worked for the government in different roles.
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Early Life and Moving to America
Włodzimierz Krzyżanowski was born in Rożnowo, which was part of the Grand Duchy of Poznań in Poland. His family was an old Polish noble family. They had a long history, going back to the 1300s.
His father and uncles had fought for Poland's freedom under Napoleon. His brother also fought in the 1830 Polish Uprising. Włodzimierz was also a first cousin to the famous composer Frédéric Chopin.
After his father passed away, his family faced money problems. Włodzimierz went to live with relatives in Poznań. He attended a school there that was a secret center for Polish freedom fighters.
In 1848, Włodzimierz joined the uprising against Prussia. When the uprising was put down, he had to leave Poland quickly to avoid being arrested. He sailed from Hamburg to New York in the United States. There, he learned English and continued his education.
After finishing school, Krzyżanowski became a civil engineer and surveyor. He helped build railroads in Virginia, pushing them westward. He met and married Caroline Burnett, and they moved to Washington, D.C.. In Washington, he started his own successful company. He also became involved in politics, supporting Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War started in 1861, Krzyżanowski quickly joined the Union Army. He signed up just two days after President Lincoln asked for volunteers. He then gathered a group of Polish immigrants to form a military company.
He moved his company to New York City and recruited more immigrants. Soon, he became a colonel of the 58th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This group was officially known as the "Polish Legion."
Krzyżanowski fought in several important battles in the Eastern part of the war. These included the Battle of Cross Keys and the Second Battle of Bull Run. At Second Bull Run, he was injured when his horse fell. He also fought at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
At Gettysburg, on July 1, 1863, his soldiers were pushed back through the town. However, the next day, he led a brave counterattack on Cemetery Hill. This attack helped stop the Confederate advance and strengthen the Union line.
Later in the war, his army corps was sent to the Western part of the country. They helped break the Confederate siege of Chattanooga. Krzyżanowski was involved in the Battle of Wauhatchie and the Battle of Missionary Ridge.
After his corps was reorganized, Krzyżanowski was given command of troops guarding railroads in Alabama. He was promoted to the rank of brevet brigadier general in March 1865. He left the army in October 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Krzyżanowski continued to serve the government. He had governing duties in Alabama and later in Georgia. There is a story that he was also the first American administrator of Alaska Territory. This claim is debated, but it is said he helped with the negotiations for the purchase of Alaska.
He also worked for the U.S. Treasury Department. Later, he worked in the customs service in Panama and New York.
Włodzimierz Krzyżanowski passed away in New York City. Many years later, in 1937, his remains were moved with full military honors to Arlington National Cemetery. Both the American President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Poland's President Ignacy Mościcki honored him with tributes.
Images for kids
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Włodzimierz Krzyżanowski
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Colonel rank insignia
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Brigadier General rank insignia
