Shane R. Reeves
In 1779, General George Washington, looking to stifle British attempts to divide the colonies, chose to headquarter the Continental Army at the “West Point” of the Hudson River, just below the town of Newburgh. The geography was perfect for defending the river. The river narrowed, allowing for a great chain to be pulled from one shore to the other, steep hills provided for artillery overwatch, and the tidal waters forced ships to slowly navigate the channel. Today, West Point retains its strategic importance—not because of its unique place on the Hudson River—but because it is home to the United States Military Academy.
The United States Military Academy at West Point is often called the premier leadership institution in the world. Academy graduates have led our Army, helped build the nation, explored space, and mastered industry. But what is often overlooked about West Point is its equally critical and historic obligation to provide professional military expertise in areas of strategic importance. In fact, this was one of the primary reasons for the creation of a military academy. During the Revolutionary War, the fledgling United States demonstrated little proficiency in several critical fields, such as military engineering and artillery. The lack of technical know-how led to a reliance on European experts. So while Washington understood the geographic advantages of West Point, it took the Polish General Thaddeus Kosciuszko to fulfill Washington’s vision by designing and overseeing construction of West Point’s fortifications.
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