History is for Everyone

NY, USA

United States Military Academy at West Point

Landmark

Founded in 1802 on the same ground Kosciuszko fortified in 1778, West Point Military Academy occupies the plateau above the Hudson's S-bend that Washington called the most important position in North America. The Academy's grounds encompass Fort Putnam, the site of the Great Chain, and the overlook where Washington directed the fortress's construction. Trophy Point displays a section of the original 1778 Great Chain. The West Point Museum, open to the public, holds the finest collection of military artifacts in the United States.

Visiting Today

Address

West Point, NY 10996

Hours

Grounds open daily; Museum: Tue–Sun 10:30am–4:15pm

Admission

Free (museum); visitor center required for campus 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