History of Kosciuszko |
| Kosciuszko was founded by Selesian Poles who
followed Father Leopold Moczygemba to Southern Texas. These Polish pilgrims landed
in Galveston, Texas in November of 1854. They continued on by cart and by foot to
present-day Panna Maria. Some of these settlers moved north along the Cibolo Creek
and founded the community of Czestochowa. In 1880 as this community grew, about 65
families headed further north along the Cibolo Creek. They bought and settled on land in
an area called Little Egypt. This land was rich and fertile which was
excellent for growing crops. These Polish settlers named their farming community
after Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Kosciuszko, the great Polish/American hero, Statesman, and
General. Founded March 12, 1880, Kosciuszko was the first and is the only Polish
colony in Wilson County. Most of the information on this web page comes from Centennial: St. Anne's Catholic Church Kosciuzko, Texas 1898 - 1998, a privately published volume celebrating the 100 year birthday of the church. We'd also like to thank our parents and grandparents for their information and assistance. |