Pulaski Day: Honoring the Unsung Heroes of the American Revolution

When you think of the American Revolution, you may think of names like George Washington or Thomas Jefferson. 2026 marks 250 years since the Revolution, and the semiquincentennial will be celebrated throughout the year while we reflect on our country's beginning and look ahead to our future.

On the first Monday in March, Illinois celebrates Pulaski Day to honor Casimir Pulaski, a Polish immigrant whose involvement in the Revolution was instrumental. Pulaski, also known as the “Father of the American Cavalry,” is just one among a long list of those who fought for freedom. His contributions to our new nation earned him a bust among other American heroes at the United States Capitol in 1867 and honorary citizenship awarded by Barack Obama in 2008.  

Let’s take a look at some of the Revolution’s lesser-known heroes and heroines, from spies to soldiers, from near and far, who helped shape our country at its very beginning. 

Casimir Pulaski: Follows the life of Casimir Pulaski from his leadership in Poland against Russia to his meeting with Benjamin Franklin and later involvement in the Revolutionary War.

A Spy Called James: Posing as a runaway slave, James Lafayette infiltrated British camps and spied for the Continental army, a move that helped the Americans win the Battle of Yorktown. After the war, he fought another battle, this time for his own freedom.

Revolutionary Mary: A fighter for free press, Mary Katharine Goddard worked to ensure the Declaration of Independence was distributed across the colonies.

Gingerbread for Liberty!: After enlisting in the Continental army, German immigrant and bakery owner Christopher Ludwick uses his baking skills to feed both the American troops and British-hired German forces in an effort to make them switch sides.

The Untold Story of the Black Regiment: The story of Black soldiers, both enslaved and freed, who enlisted in armies on either side of the conflict.

Cloaked in Courage: Deborah Sampson, a young woman from Massachusetts, disguises herself as a man and enlists in the Continental Army to fight for her freedom.

Want to learn more about Revolutionary heroes? Check out our databases, like Biography (Gale in Context) and World Book Student!