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The First Military School
West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America. West Point’s invaluable role in our nation’s history dates back to the Revolutionary War, when both sides realized the importance of strategy and that commanding the plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River was crucial to their success. General George Washington considered West Point to be the most important strategic position in America.
One of the heroes of Saratoga, Thaddeus Kosciusko, was selected by Washington to design the fortifications for West Point in 1778. Washington transferred his headquarters to West Point in 1779. Continental soldiers built batteries and forts and extended a 150 ton iron chain across the Hudson River to control river traffic. Despite Benedict Arnold’s treason, West Point was never captured by the British.
Several legislators and decorated soldiers urged the creation of an institution devoted to the sciences and arts of warfare. President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing the United States Military Academy in 1802. Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, the “father of the military academy,” served as Superintendent from 1817 to 1833. He instilled military discipline, upgraded academic standards, and emphasized honorable conduct.
For the first half century, USMA graduates were largely responsible for the construction of the majority of our nation’s bridges, roads, harbors, and railway lines. West Point graduates were highly visible on both sides during the Civil War. Graduates included General Grant, Sherman, Lee, and Jackson. Other notable figures that graduated from West Point were Macarthur, Eisenhower, Bradley, Patton, Stilwell, and Wainwright.
With its long and noble history, West Point remains an institution dedicated to the excellence of their students and attracts some of our nation’s best and brightest young men and women. West Point offers a challenging and comprehensive list of opportunities, while maintaining its enduring commitment to Duty, Honor, and Country (A Brief History of the Academy).
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