Poland in Mahoning County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The History of Poland
Poland was first known as Fowler's Place after Jonathan Fowler and his family who were the first permanent settlers on the banks of Yellow Creek. For years after the Revolutionary War, all over the new United States, there was a feeling of gratitude and respect for those who had come from other countries to assist in the cause of freedom. This respect was quite often expressed by naming towns in honor of the heroes of that war. Peterson Park statue, "American Freedom Fighters" by Tom Antonishak, honors General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the brilliant engineer who fortified Bemis Heights during the battle of Saratoga in 1777 and was responsible for saving West Point during the war. He is shown as a Colonel standing over a broken chain, which represents freedom from British rule. His passion for Polish independence burned so greatly that he felt he must be a part of this quest for independence by the fledgling nation called the United States of America. At his side kneeling is Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a cavalry officer who is known as "the father of America's cavalry." He was killed in the Battle of Savannah in 1779 and is buried there. A letter to George Washington from General Pulaski stated "I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it."
The people of Fowler's Place had the desire to honor these two foreign heroes and not to slight either man decided to name our community Poland after their country of birth.
Erected by Village and Township of Poland, and Concerned Citizens and Businesses.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1777.
Location. 41° 1.443′ N, 80° 36.835′ W. Marker is in Poland, Ohio, in Mahoning County. Marker is at the intersection of McKinley Way (U.S. 224) and Main Street, on the right when traveling east on McKinley Way. Monument is in Peterson Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Youngstown OH 44514, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Peterson Park and Clock Tower (here, next to this marker); Poland Village Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Old Stone Tavern (about 400 feet away); President William McKinley's Boyhood Home (about 500 feet away); Poland Village / Poland Town Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Poland Academy and Poland Seminary (approx. 0.2 miles away); Four Heroic Chaplains (approx. ¼ mile away); Old Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Poland.
Also see . . .
1. Poland, Ohio. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 1, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Polish-American Center website entry (Submitted on July 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Casimir Pulaski. Polish-American Center website entry (Submitted on July 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,146 times since then and 185 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.