The FReeper Foxhole Profiles Thaddeus Kosciuszko - Jul. 26th, 2004

www.kosciuszkofoundation.org ^

[PhilDragoo]

He volunteered to join the ragtag rebels shortly after the Declaration of Independence was first read in 1776. The thirty-year-old was commissioned a colonel and given a salary of $6 a month. His first undertaking was planning forts along the Delaware River. Kosciuszko then moved on to help with the defense of Fort Ticonderoga. Partly due to disregard of Kosciuszko's advice, Ticonderoga was toppled; in retreat Kosciuszko felled great pine trees and flooded fields to slow the pursuit of the British. This bought the rebels time to prepare for their first major victory of the war: Saratoga. At Saratoga, Kosciuszko fortified Bemis Heights overlooking the Hudson. His ingenious design contributed to the surrender of 6,000 troops under General John Burgoyne. After the British defeat outside of Saratoga, the French entered the war on the colonials' side.

Kosciuszko at Bemis Heights ~ Image URL

Image URL

The base pedestal of the monument was erected in 1828 by the Corps of Cadets. In 1913, the Polish clergy and laity of the United States added the statue of Kosciuszko.

In 1778, Kosciuszko was made chief engineer of West Point, New York. This fortification became known as the American Gibraltar because it was unable to be penetrated by the British Army.

The Great Chain

Links of the original West Point Chain displayed at Trophy Point.
See Bic pen at left of center front link for scale. (image URL)

The key element of the West Point/Constitution Island fortifications was the "Great Chain" affixed across the river as of 30 April 1778. Ships which successfully negotiated the bend in the river would still confront the chain barrier, which was expected to bring them to a dead stop, thus facilitating engagement by batteries on the river banks.

The West Point chain was forged at Sterling Ironworks in Warwick, NY. It was approximately 500 yards in length, composed of two foot long, 2.25" thick iron links, each of which weighed 114 pounds.

The entire chain weighed in at 65 tons and required 40 men four days to install. The chain floated on rafts assembled from 4 16' sharpened logs, anchored between Constitution Island and West Point.

I'm Benedict F. Arnold and I actually voted for the Great Chain
before I voted against it.

[Valin]

ROTFLMreally cuteAF

[Valin]

You say that like it's a bad thing. I've spent many a long year developing my slacking skills, until today I am a highly skilled professional slacker.
Never put off until tomorrow what you can put off till the day after.

[SAMWolf]

Welcome to the FR and the Foxhole fire engine red.

FReeping is real addictive, once you get started it's hard to quit.

I'll make sure Snippy gets all the rocks out of your Foxhole.

We're glad Weldgophardline pointed you in our direction.

[SAMWolf]

Evening Phil Dragoo.

$6 a month. Sure doesn't seem like much does it?

Thanks for the info on Bemis Heights and Kosciuszko's role.

I'm Benedict F. Arnold and I actually voted for the Great Chain before I voted against it.

LOL!

[SAMWolf]

:-) We thought you might get a kick out of it.

[Valin]

Time for bed.

[SAMWolf]

Good Night, Valin. See ya tomorrow "On This Day in History".

[snippy_about_it]

You say that like it's a bad thing.

LOL. I thought Sam filled in real good for you today. I have to admit though that today didn't turn out to be a very eventful day in history. You picked a good day to take off. ;-)

[E.G.C.]

BTT!!!!!