History is for Everyone

NY, USA

Fort Putnam

Battlefield

Kosciuszko's primary fort on the heights above the Academy, completed 1778 and restored in the 1970s–80s. Fort Putnam commanded the plateau and the approaches to the main West Point position. It was the key fortification in the interlocking system that made a direct British assault prohibitively costly. Walking the restored earthworks provides direct experience of 18th-century fortification engineering and a commanding view over the Hudson Valley.

Visiting Today

Address

West Point Military Academy, NY 10996

Hours

Seasonal; check Academy visitor policies

Admission

Free with Academy access

Connected Events

Oct 1777
Fall of Forts Clinton and Montgomery

General Sir Henry Clinton

Jan 1778
Construction of West Point Fortress Begins

Thaddeus Kosciuszko, General Sir Henry Clinton

Sep 1780
Capture of Major John Andre

Benedict Arnold, Major John Andre, John Paulding, Peggy Shippen Arnold

Sep 1780
Arnold's Treason Discovered

Benedict Arnold, Major John Andre, Alexander Hamilton, Peggy Shippen Arnold

Oct 1780
Execution of Major John Andre

Major John Andre, Alexander Hamilton

Jul 1802
United States Military Academy Founded at West Point

Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Alexander Hamilton