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West Point, NY

People

8 historical figures connected to West Point during the Revolutionary War.

Patriots & Founders

Other Figures

General Sir Henry Clinton

1730–1795

British Commander-in-ChiefStrategist

British commander-in-chief in North America who oversaw the conspiracy with Arnold to capture West Point. Clinton hoped that seizing the fortress would split the colonies and end the war, but the plot's failure was a devastating intelligence setback.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko

1746–1817

Continental Army EngineerFortress DesignerPolish Volunteer

Polish engineer who designed the West Point fortifications in 1778, creating the interlocking system of batteries, redoubts, and the chain across the Hudson that made the position impregnable. His work at West Point followed his earlier success at Saratoga.

Alexander Hamilton

1755–1804

Washington's Aide-de-CampContinental Army Colonel

Hamilton was present at the dramatic moment when Arnold's treason was discovered, and he led the frantic effort to secure West Point before the British could act. He later advocated for leniency toward Andre, whose dignified conduct impressed even his captors.

Benedict Arnold

1741–1801

Continental Army GeneralWest Point CommanderTraitor

The brilliant Continental officer who, as commander of West Point in 1780, conspired to surrender the fortress to the British. His treason plot was exposed when his contact Major Andre was captured, and Arnold fled to the British lines.

Peggy Shippen Arnold

1760–1804

Arnold's WifeLoyalist Sympathizer

Philadelphia socialite who married Benedict Arnold and maintained connections with British officers including Andre. Long dismissed as an innocent bystander, modern scholarship suggests she was deeply involved in facilitating the treason plot.

Captain Thomas Machin

1744–1816

Continental Army EngineerChain Constructor

Engineer who oversaw the forging and installation of the Great Chain across the Hudson River at West Point in 1778. The chain, weighing approximately 65 tons, was designed to stop British warships and was maintained throughout the war.