Today in History: United States Military Academy at West Point

West Point, United States Military Academy

Today in History–March 16–the Library of Congress features United States Military Academy at West Point, founded on this date in 1802. Located on the Hudson River north of New York City,  West Point is one of the world’s oldest military service academies and was attended by many of the nation’s leading military commanders.  The academy is well known for its high standards of discipline and scholarship, instituted early on by Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, superintendent at West Point from 1817 to 1833. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access related primary sources.

Founders Day at West Point from America’s Library

West Point image set

West Point Military Academy, New York, Listing of a complete course of education 1816

West Point, New York Military Academy, Roll call of cadets at West Point May 26, 1816

West Point, New York Military Academy, List of applications for cadet appointments by state May 26, 1816

The West Point Atlas of American Wars 1959

West Point Atlas of the Civil War 1962

More books, reports & other texts about West Point

West Point historical newspaper coverage

Legislation related to United States Military Academy at West Point

Veterans oral histories of those who served at the United States Military Academy at West Point

Army song [The Army goes rolling along] song recording

Related resources