Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Address:301 Pine Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tel: (215) 597-9618

The exciting story of a Polish patriot who helped in the American Revolution is related at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial commemorates the home, life, and work of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, who fought valiantly for American independence before returning to Europe to help the Polish independence movement. Despite its being the nation's smallest national park, the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial offers a wealth of information through multimedia presentations and self-guided tours.

In August 1776, Thaddeus Kosciuszko arrived in America to volunteer for the Continental Army. Upon reading the Declaration of Independence, Kosciuszko found that it encompassed everything he believed in. As the American Revolution progressed, Kosciuszko was instrumental in designing American forts, from Fort Billingsport to the defenses that allowed for the successful retreat from the Battle of Ticonderoga and the victory at the Battle of Saratoga. After Kosciuszko's death in 1817, his home in Philadelphia fell into disrepair until it was designated as the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in October 1972.

An eight-minute audiovisual program at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial details Kosciuszko's life and accomplishments, and a memorial room highlights Kosciuszko's long and distinguished military career. Visitors can view Kosciuszko's bedchamber while listening to a narration in either Polish or English. After their experience at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, visitors can find dozens of restaurants in the downtown Philadelphia area, ranging from soul food to pizza.

To get to the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, take I-95 to the "Independence Hall/Historic Site", and exit onto Callowhill Street, then left at North 6th Street and left onto Pine Street. The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial is at 301 Pine Street.