Who was Michael Kováts de Fabriczy?

Michael Kováts (also spelled Kovats, de Kovats) was born in 1724 in the Kingdom of Hungary (in the Protestant town of Karcag) into a noble family.  He had a long European military career—serving in Hungarian Hussar regiments in the Habsburg empire, the French Bercsényi Hussar Regiment, and the Prussian Székely Hussars.  He later volunteered for service in the American Revolutionary War, offering his experience to the Continental Army.  

Why is he called the “co-founder of the American cavalry”?

Though not always as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Kováts played a pivotal role in building the mounted forces of the Continental Army. He helped organize, train, equip and recruit for cavalry units—bringing European cavalry discipline and structure into the American context.   A British officer reportedly described his cavalry as “the best the rebels ever had.”  

What prompted Kováts to join the American cause?

Kováts was inspired by coverage in European newspapers of the American Revolution (the Pressburger Zeitung in the Habsburg realm had published extensively on the war). He wrote a letter in Latin to Benjamin Franklin in January 1777 offering his services, where he emphasised his own military virtues and his voluntary commitment to the American cause.  

How did his arrival in America unfold?

Kováts arrived in Rhode Island on February 26, 1777.   He met with George Washington on May 16, 1777, although the language barrier required an interpreter.

What were his early contributions to the Continental Army?

Kováts first served as a recruiting officer among German-speaking communities in Pennsylvania, leveraging his fluency in German and his European military background.  He then became an adviser to Casimir Pułaski (a Polish nobleman also establishing a cavalry legion) and helped shape the cavalry’s organization, uniforms, equipment, and structure—areas where Pułaski lacked direct experience.  

Did Kováts receive a formal command?

Yes. In early 1778, Pułaski recommended that Washington appoint Kováts as drillmaster for the cavalry.   Although Washington hesitated about placing foreigners in senior roles, Kováts was eventually appointed as training officer.   Then, on April 18, 1778, Congress formally appointed him to the rank of colonel (“de Kowatz”) in the Corps later known as the Pułaski Legion.  

What about his battlefield service and death?

The southern campaign was critical. In early 1779, the Pułaski-Kováts Legion was ordered south to reinforce the war in the Carolinas.   On May 11, 1779, during a skirmish near Charlestown (present-day Charleston), South Carolina, Kováts fell from his horse during the retreat and was killed.  His exact burial site remains uncertain.  

What is his legacy in America and Hungary?

Kováts is commemorated both in the United States and in Hungary. In the U.S., memorials include the “De Kováts Triangle & Playground” in New York City, an equestrian bronze relief at the New York Historical Society, and multiple memorials in Washington, D.C.   In Charleston, a marker by the Daughters of the American Revolution and a reproduction of the red-white-green flag designed by Kováts are among his honors.   In Hungary his role is increasingly recognized in the context of Hungarian–American heritage.

Why is his story still relevant today?

Kováts’s story offers multiple angles of relevance:

  • It highlights the international dimension of the American Revolution and the contributions of foreign-born officers to American independence.
  • It illustrates how military expertise, when transplanted from European experience to the American theatre, helped shape data-starved, young armies into more effective forces.
  • From a heritage and cultural diplomacy perspective, Kováts is a figure linking Hungary and the United States through shared history, offering a platform for collaborative commemoration (especially as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary of independence).

Are there remaining open questions or avenues for research about Kováts?

Yes. Among the unresolved issues:

  • The exact location of his grave remains unknown, though efforts continue to locate it near Huger Street in Charleston.  
  • His contributions have been overshadowed in many popular narratives by more-famous officers like Pułaski; deeper scholarship may further clarify and raise his role.
  • The story of how his European experience translated into American military practice invites further study (e.g., comparison of Hussar tactics, recruitment among German-speaking immigrants, equipment logistics).

Educational Resources for Schools and Civic Organizations

 

Moravian sisters sewing the Pulaski banner
Kovats in action (Painting by Koszorus Varga currently displayed at the Kossuth House)
Kovats coat of arms
Michael Kovats portrait Rasko Kossuth House
Michael Kovats Memorial Year Memorial Envelope
Michael Kovats Charge Reenactment by Ilona Bodo at Daniel Library, Citadel Charleston
Michael Kovats Bicentennial Coin Charleston
Michael Kovats equestrian statue Paul Takacs Washington DC
Pulaski and Kovats Mural Hotel Bethlehem PA
Michael Kovats statuette Alexander Finta at Society of the Cincinnati
Michael Kovats and Pulaski painting by Sandor Bodo, Karcag
Michael Kovats Memorial by Alexander Finta at Citadel campus, Charleston
Kovats Pulaski Flag Reproduction
AHF Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom
Charleston Old Provost Dungeon DAR Michael Kovats Commemorative Marker

2024 marked 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 DC-based Kossuth Foundation (represented by Sándor Végh) and the Hungary Foundation (represented by Anna Smith Lacey) 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.

— Jimmy Carter 

A famous Hungarian to who American history owes so much.
— Ronald Reagan

Living and dying on his horse, an animal known for its strength and free spirit, Kováts exemplified the characteristics of the chargers who carried him into battle throughout his career: stamina, steadfastness, heart, and courage, an independent mind following the bugle call for “golden freedom.” — Renée Critcher Lyons

Because of their contributions to the American army and the sacrifices they made on the battlefields of Charleston and Savannah, Pułaski and Kováts remain enduring sources of pride for Americans of Polish and Hungarian descent.
— Ethan S Rafuse

BILINGUAL BIOGRAPHY BOOK OF MICHAEL KOVATS

If there ever was a chapter for Hungarian Hussar officers in the imaginary golden book of famous military figures, Colonel Commandant Michael Kováts de Fabriczy would probably be included. This volume is a tribute to Mihály Kováts and to the earlier work of researchers who have explored his life. At the same time, it opens a window into the world of the 18th century Hussar officer, through which we can follow the logic of the times and the rise of an ambitious and talented warrior. No new scholarly volume on our hero has been published for nearly four decades. The improved accessibility of archives at home and abroad (Austrian, German, American) and the emergence of new research materials and sources have made it possible to expand the exploration of Kováts’ life.

Fabriczy Kovats Mihaly book

Dr Zoltán Árpád Pintér’s Book on Michael Fabriczy Kováts by Zrínyi Press

Cover: 244 pages Size: 20 × 26 cm Language: English and Hungarian Binding: Hardcover Author: Pintér Zoltán Árpád ISBN 978 963 327 808 6 Year of publication 2021

ORDER HERE

Due to high demand, this book is currently on backorder. You’re welcome to place your order now, and it will be fulfilled as soon as new inventory arrives.

Michael Kovats Memorials Across the United States

Literature and Music

Books and Resources on the Life of Michael Kovats

BOOKS

ARTICLES

Events (Past and Upcoming)

Congressional Action

H.J.Res.435 – 96th Congress (1979-1980): A joint resolution designating November 30, 1979, as “Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Memorial Day”. Contributor: House of Representatives – Biaggi, Mario – 96th Congress Date: 1979-10-30 H.J.Res.564 – 98th Congress (1983-1984): A joint resolution designating May 11, 1984, as “Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Memorial Day”. Contributor: House of Representatives – Biaggi, Mario – 98th Congress Date: 1984-05-08 H.J.Res.298 – 97th Congress (1981-1982): A joint resolution designating May 11, 1982, as “Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Memorial Day”. Contributor: House of Representatives – Biaggi, Mario – 97th Congress Date: 1981-07-01 H.J.Res.1040 – 94th Congress (1975-1976): A resolution to authorize the Committee for an American Hungarian Bicentennial Monument, Inc., to erect a monument in honor of the late Col. Michael Kovats de Farbrici … Contributor: House of Representatives – 94th Congress – Gude, Gilbert Date: 1976-08-02

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