West Point

West Point U.S. military post, since 1802 seat of the United States Military Academy . On the high west bank of the Hudson River N of New York City, West Point was the site of Revolutionary forts guarding the Hudson. Constitution Island, in the river, is also in the reservation. The plan of Benedict Arnold to surrender (1780) West Point to the British was discovered with the capture of Major John André.

West Point a U.S. military reservation on the Hudson River in Orange county, New York, United States. West Point Academy, also known as the U.S. Military Academy, has been on the site since 1802.


In 1779 George Washington established his headquarters at West Point while trying to defend the Hudson River Valley from the British, and in 1780 Benedict Arnold unsuccessfully tried to betray the land to the British.

West Point, site on the western bank of the Hudson River, 45 miles north of New York City, of the U.S. Military Academy (founded 1802). The number of the present corps of cadets is more than 4000. During the Revolution, Washington's headquarters were at West Point (1779); and the following year, when Benedict Arnold was in command there, he plotted to deliver it to André. In addition to most of the distinguished officers of the U.S. Army, students at West Point have included Poe, G.H. Derby, and Whistler.