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Pulaski Statue
Casimir Pulaski was the father of American cavalry. Born in Poland in 1747, he was the son of Joseph Pulaski, a military leader in Poland who had helped in a rebellion against Russian interference in that country. After his father died, Casimir assumed military command and achieved some notable successes against the Russians. Political intrigue involving a plot to kill the Polish King resulted in Casimir's exile.
Found in Paris by Benjamin Franklin, Casimir enlisted in the American cause in the American Revolution. Joining George Washington's army just before the battle of Brandywine, he discovered the British flanking operation as well as an escape route for the Americans. He then gathered all available cavalry and covered the retreat.
Congress then gave him a commission as brigadier general and command of all American cavalry. Later, General Washington allowed him to form an independent corp of cavalry and light infantry of foreign volunteers. Pulaski's Legion trained a number of American cavalry officers in the process, including Robert E Lee's father "Light Horse" Henry Lee. In 1779, his troops helped lift the siege of Charleston. Pulaski was killed in an attack on Savannah.
So this statue commemorates the man. It stands along Pennsylvania Avenue near 12th Street. The light building immediately to the left of the statue is the Warner Theatre. |