Kościuszko Mound

Address:

Olkusz

GPS:

50° 17' 11.5908" N 19° 32' 52.9764" E

The years of moral renewal in 1861-1862, were marked by all types of manifestations, religious and patriotic, held in commemoration of anniversaries important for the Poles and the memory of the former 'power and glory' of their no longer existent state. This movement was an important inspiration for the future January Insurrection of 1863. Revolutionary tendencies were increasing among the Poles. In Olkusz, as in almost all parts of the country, patriotic and religious songs were sung and Russian emblems were ripped, as the Polish nation expressed its disapproval of foreign domination.

At the head of the spontaneously set up Olkusz committee of conspirators stood Andrzej Trawiński, counter of trade in alcoholic beverages. The committee consisted of the county engineer Julian Marconi and the Sobocki and Wójcicki married couples. A great manifestation of patriotic feeling took place at the celebration of 44th anniversary of the death of the 1794 insurrection leader Tadeusz Kościuszko, which took place on October 15, 1861. Then arose the initiative to construct in Olkusz a mound dedicated to. The mound was constructed. After the fall of the January Uprising, the Russian police garrison returned to Olkusz. A time of repression began, a period of investigations, trials and the deportations. At the command of the prince, Major-General Alexander Szachowski, the Kościuszko Mound was destroyed and the initiators and constructors: Andrzej Trawiński, Julian Marconi, Father Walerian Pojdowski, Sobocki and Wójcicki were deported to Siberia.

The Kościuszko Mound now proudly stands by car route 94 in Olkusz. A large cross towers over its top. The citizens of Olkusz reconstructed the mound at the beginning of the 20^th century. Today it symbolizes the local drive to freedom.

source: District Office in Olkusz