Michael Kovats 300th Anniversary

MICHAEL KOVATS DE FABRICZY (1724, Karcag, Hungary – 1779, Charleston, SC) Tricentennial Event

2024 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Michael Fabriczy Kováts, “father of the US cavalry”. In celebration, the Karcag-based Michael Kováts Friendship Society (represented by Zoltán Pintér and László Örlős), the Hungary Foundation (represented by Anna Smith Lacey) and the DC-based Kossuth Foundation (represented by Sándor Végh) and signed a cooperation agreement to preserve and promote his legacy in Hungary and in the US and form the Michael Kovats Memorial Committee. Colonel Kováts played a vital role in organizing and leading the American cavalry units in the southern theater of war, where the Americans were weakest. His British opponent even remarked that Kováts’ units were “the best cavalry the rebels ever had”. Kováts eventually gave his life for the cause of liberty, he died at the battle of Charleston, South Carolina on May 11, 1779. Kovats’ legacy is an inspiring example of heroism, perseverance, and commitment to liberty.

For more information, related articles/books/resources, as well as the list of  memorials and events in the US, please visit the Hungary Foundation’s dedicated page.

Event Date: October 25, 2024
Event Place: Kossuth House, Washington, DC