Names like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson frequently come up when we discuss the American Revolution, but in 2026, the year of America’s semisesquintennial (250th anniversary), we have a unique opportunity to reflect on heroes who are not as commonly discussed, but are equally important to our story!
One hero whose name is not in our general lexicon is Casimir Pulaski. Each year, on the first Monday of March, our nation honors Pulaski: a Polish immigrant whose involvement in the Revolution was instrumental. Pulaski was born in Poland in 1765, and at age 21, had already fought in battles across Europe. By 1776, Pulaski learned of America’s struggle for independence and offered his expertise and assistance. Pulaski served next to George Washington, and in 1777, American congress promoted Pulaski to the rank of Brigadier General in command of cavalry.
Pulaski quickly distinguished himself at Brandywine, where he covered the retreat of Washington’s troops, preventing total disorder. In May, 1778, Pulaski began to form an independent cavalry unit, the Pulaski Legion, which was comprised of people from several countries. By the fall of 1779, the Pulaski Legion headed toward Savannah, Georgia in an effort to join other French and American troops in an attempt to retake Savannah from the British. In the attack on October 9, 1779, American and French forces fell short of retaking the city. Pulaski was mortally wounded and died soon thereafter.
In 1867, Pulaski received significant recognition when a bust of him was placed in the United States Capitol, honoring his contributions as the “Father of the American Cavalry” and honorary citizenship was awarded to Pulaski by Barack Obama in 2008. Today, several institutions in Chicago and beyond close to celebrate Pulaski Day and remember his great legacy!
DeKalb Public Library’s collection contains the stories of hundreds of unsung heroes like Casimir Pulaski! Check out the list below to see a small sample from our selection:
A strong pioneer woman, a loving sister, a caring mother, and in her later years, a generous philanthropist, Elizabeth “Eliza” Schuyler Hamilton had many sides. Mazzeo follows Eliza through her early years in New York, into the ups and downs of her married life with Alexander, beyond the aftermath of his tragic murder, and finally to her involvement in many projects that cemented her legacy as one of the unsung heroes of our nation’s early days.
Agent Josephine by Damien Lewis
Uncover the little-known history of the Josephine Baker’s life. During the war years, as a member of the French Nurse paratroopers–a cover for her spying work–Baker participated in numerous clandestine activities and emerged as a formidable spy. In turn, she was a hero of the three countries in whose name she served–the US, France, and Britain
The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan
This biographical account chronicles the life of Thomas Francis Meagher from a leader in the 1848 Young Ireland rebellion against British rule, his exile in Tasmania, his escape to New York, his command of the Irish Brigade in the Civil War, to his mysterious death as Montana’s acting governor.
The Man Who Never Died by William Alder
In 1914, Joe Hill, the prolific songwriter for the Industrial Workers of the World (also known as the Wobblies), was convicted of murder in Utah and sentenced to death by firing squad, igniting international controversy. In the first major biography of the radical historical icon, William M. Adler explores an extraordinary life and presents persuasive evidence of Hill’s innocence. Hill would become organized labor’s most venerated martyr, and a hero to folk singers such as Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. His story shines a beacon on the early-twentieth-century American experience and exposes the roots of issues critical to the twenty-first century.
To Free a Family by Sydney Nathans
Unlike her more famous counterparts―Harriet Tubman, Harriet Jacobs, and Sojourner Truth―who wrote their own narratives and whose public defiance made them heroines, Mary Walker’s efforts were protracted, wrenching, and private. Her odyssey was more representative of women refugees from bondage who labored secretly and behind the scenes to reclaim their families from the South. In recreating Mary Walker’s journey, To Free a Family gives voice to their hidden epic of emancipation and to an untold story of the Civil War era.
Gentleman Revolutionary by Richard Brookhiser
Since 1996, Richard Brookhiser has worked to bring the Founders to life for modern readers. None were more vivid—yet overlooked—than Gouverneur Morris. The witty, peg-legged drafter of the Constitution, Morris witnessed two revolutions, designed New York’s street grid, and shared a mistress with Talleyrand. Despite losing a leg and facing the terrors of the French Revolution, his sunny disposition never wavered. Brookhiser’s narrative reveals a man whose grace, humor, and brilliance shaped our nation and whose story is as entertaining as it is essential to the American spirit.
If learning about history is your jam, we invite you to attend our upcoming March programs that feature stories of American trials and triumph! These programs are part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year.
The California Gold Rush: March 5, 6:00 PM, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Jacob Haish: Immigrant and Philanthropist: March 10, 6:00 PM, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Hits of the Ragtime Era: March 21, 2:00 PM, Yusunas Meeting Room
The Battles of WWI: March 19, 6:00 PM, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Rockford Peaches and the AAGPBL: March 21, 11:00 AM, Yusunas Meeting Room
If you have any questions about our collections or upcoming programs, please contact us at [email protected] or 815-756-9568 ext. 2150! We are always happy to help you!