1746 - Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura Kosciuszko is born near Novogrudok.

1765 - He enters the Polish Military Academy, and soon becomes an instructor.

1769 - Given the rank 'Captain of Artillery', and awarded a royal scholarship to study in France.

1774 - Returns to the recently partitioned Poland where, unable to find a position in the army, he takes work tutoring Ludwika Sosnowski.

1775 - After an unsuccessful attempt to elope with Ludwika, Kosciuszko returns to France.

1776 - Travels to America, to assist in the colonist's rebellion. In the October he is appointed as a Colonel of Engineers, and given the task of defending Philadelphia from naval attack.

1777 - Assigned to Fort Ticonderoga where his opinions, especially those concerning artillery on Sugar Loaf hill, are ignored. The Fort falls easily, and he plays a key part in the colonist's retreat, slowing British forces. Later in the year, and on the orders of General Gates, Kosciuszko creates a defensive position at Bemis Heights. The solidity of these defences enables a colonist victory at Saratoga.

1778 - Promoted to Chief Engineer of the Middle Department, and given the task of fortifying West Point. His defences are so successful the British never launch a direct attack at them.

1780 - Appointed as Chief Engineer of the South, where he commands troops under General Greene.

1784 - Given US citizenship and promoted to Brigadier General by Congress, in honour of his contribution to the successful rebellion. Kosciuszko returns to Poland, but he is again unable to find a position in the army, instead settling on his poor estate.

1789 - Liberal reforms, and the assistance of Ludwika, provide Kosciuszko with an appointment as Major General.

1792 - Commands forces in the Polish-Russian War, where his defence of Dubienka makes him a hero. When the Commonwealth surrenders to Russia in July, Kosciuszko resigns and returns to France.

1793/4 - During this winter he is asked to lead a rebellion but, after a brief visit to Poland, he decides that the preparations are incomplete.

1794 - Returns to the Commonwealth once Russian arrests trigger the uprising, where he is declared Supreme Commander and given almost dictatorial powers. After a stunning victory at Raclawice, and a successful defence of Warsaw, he is wounded and captured during the Battle of Maciejowice. The rebellion is crushed a month later.

1796 - After over two years of Russian imprisonment, he is released by Tzar Paul II. Kosciuszko returns to France.

1797 - Travels to the USA, where he is granted both land and a stipend. He renews his friendship with Jefferson.

1798 - Returns, yet again, to France.

1799-1814 - Campaigns for Polish independence and freedom, but refuses to co-operate with Napoleon.

1815 - Moves to Switzerland.

1817 - Killed by a fall from his horse. His body is later returned to Poland.

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For Citation And Footnotes
Title: Tadeusz Kosciuszko (1746 - 1817)
Author: Robert Wilde
Date: 2001