1607:
Where a Nation Began

Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement of the New World, was established by the Virginia Company of London in 1607. “Altogether, 144 mariners and adventurers set out from Blackwall docks to the east of London in the last days of 1606 to found an English colony somewhere on the Chesapeake Bay.”
Although the initial drive behind the Virginia Settlement was the pursuit of abundant resources from the highly speculated lands, the settlers soon realized that their fortunes would solely depend on their own endeavors, even amidst setbacks.

1608:
Poles Arrive at Jamestown

By the end of the first year, it was decided that the colony would need more people and supplies in order to continue. In October 1609, the ship Mary Margaret returned with approximately 70 people, including “eight Dutch men and Poles,” a Swiss man from London, and the first two women to join the colony.
The first non-English colonists, hired to organize new industries and train the settlers, were skilled master craftsmen and industry specialists in soap ash, glass, lumber, shipbuilding materials (tar, pitch, turpentine), and mining.
Captain John Smith gave high marks to the Poles’ work ethic, writing: "Only the Dutch-men and Poles, and some dozen others...knew what a dayes worke was.” Although we have limited knowledge about the identities of these Polish workers, their influence on society was significant.

1619:
Polish-Americans are Born

Historical records from 1619 indicate that, following a labor dispute and work stoppage, Polish residents were granted the right to vote for themselves and all future Polish immigrants. The governing body of Jamestown recognized the Poles’ contributions and ensured their equal status. Moreover, due to their exceptional skills, the Poles agreed to offer apprenticeships to young men in the community, ensuring the perpetuity of these valuable trades. This work stoppage is considered the first labor strike for improved rights on American soil.
Unfortunately, the first Dutch and Polish Settlers’ names do not appear on the passenger manifest. They might have remained with the colony and died in the famine of 1610, perhaps left in 1609-10 by the terms of their contract, or they might have been among the fortunate few to survive past 1610.
By 1619, over 50 Polish families had established a life in the New World, therefore cementing Poland’s foothold in the American Story.

Father Moczygemba immediately began plans for the construction of the church to be located near the junction of the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek. Despite many obstacles, after two years, the pioneers finally erected a wooden church, dedicated in September 1856. Unfortunately, as a result of a lightning strike, the original church burned down in 1877.
Fr. Leopold Moczygemba commissioned the Stations of the Cross for the church of Panna Maria while visiting Rome in 1856 from the artist S. Zaleski.
The stations were dedicated in the church on February 3, 1870, by Fr. Wincenty Barzyński, who later served as the long-time pastor of the first Polish church of Chicago, St. Stanisław Kostka.
The Stations of the Cross from Panna Maria are now in the collection of the PMA. They were donated in 1936 by Rev. Edward K. Dworaczyk, Panna Maria Parish Priest and author of The First Polish Colonies of America in Texas.

Casimir Pułaski: A Polish American Patriot

General Casimir Pułaski (1747-1779) was a Polish and American hero, a nobleman who fought for Poland’s freedom before being partitioned by its three neighbors: Russia, Prussia, and Austria. He was involved in the unsuccessful Confederation of Bar against the King of Poland and Russian influence, who were attempting to limit the power of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth’s wealthy magnates. After this failed mission, he was forced into exile. He immigrated to France, where he met Benjamin Franklin, who recommended he travel to America and help the American Colonial Army in the War of Independence against the British Empire (1775-1783). Pulaski arrived in Massachusetts in 1777 and became famous for creating and training the first cavalry unit in United States history, earning the title of the “Father of American Cavalry.”

In command of Gen. Washington's bodyguard and a group of Polish volunteers, Pulaski held back General Howe at Brandywine, showing exceptional courage that enabled him to save the American army from a dangerous position. Four days after the Brandywine victory, he was appointed Brigadier-General on September 5, 1777. He assumed command of the American Cavalry and gained immortal fame in the battles of Warren Tavern, Haddonfield near Camden, Little Egg Harbor, and Charleston. The "enthusiasm for the noble cause, and by his supreme contempt of death" were Casimir Pulaski's driving forces.
In command of Gen. Washington's bodyguard and a group of Polish volunteers, Pułaski held back General Howe at Brandywine, showing exceptional courage that enabled him to save the American army from a dangerous position. Four days after the Brandywine victory, he was appointed Brigadier-General on September 5, 1777. He assumed command of the American Cavalry and gained immortal fame in the battles of Warren Tavern, Haddonfield near Camden, Little Egg Harbor, and Charleston. The "enthusiasm for the noble cause, and by his supreme contempt of death" were Casimir Pulaski’s driving forces.

Revolutionary At Home & Abroad

Thaddeus Kościuszko (1746–1817), a national hero in Poland and the United States, fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War serving from 1776 as a chief engineer of the Army and creator of defenses and fortifications. His spectacular defenses paved the way for victory at Saratoga in October 1777.
Described by George Washington as "a gentleman of science and of merit," Kościuszko built the West Point stronghold on the Hudson River and later advocated for a Military Academy there. After eight years of service, he departed America with the rank Brigadier-General.
Upon returning to Poland, he joined the Royal Army as Major General and, in 1792, participated in the war against Russia and in defense of the May 3 Constitution. Following the betrayal of King Stanisław August Poniatowski, Kościuszko resigned from the Army.