Perched atop the Hudson Highlands 50 miles north of New York City is West Point, N.Y., home to the famous U.S. Military Academy. West Point has a long history dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War.
Because of its prime location on the Hudson River, General George Washington considered West Point the most important strategic position in America. In 1779, Washington made West Point his new headquarters and ordered Continental soldiers to construct forts, artillery batteries and redoubts (small forts), as well as to extend a l50-ton iron chain across the Hudson to control river traffic. It all paid off. West Point was never captured by the British and remains the oldest continuously occupied military post in the country.
The military academy was established in 1802 when Thomas Jefferson signed it into legislation. Since then, the academy has been educating and training cadets to be "Army Strong."
Want to see a piece of history? We thought you might. West Point Tours, Inc. offers daily guided tours of the military academy. Choose between a one or two-hour tour of West Point and be astonished by the well-manicured lawns, marvelous monuments and statues, and unbelievable architecture.
See the stately Old and Main Cadet Chapels — two buildings whose architectural designs are unparalleled. With the Hudson Highlands serving as a pristine backdrop, feast your eyes on the majestic Hudson River at Trophy Point, a scenic overlook at the military academy. Pose for pictures with one of the many cannons that were once used during warfare. Pay homage to the many soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in every American war from the Revolution to Vietnam. Visit the West Point Museum to view what the academy considers "the oldest and largest diversified public collection of militaria in the Western Hemisphere." The many sites you'll see and history you'll hear from your tour guide will leave you with a newfound appreciation of your freedom.
Note: Self-touring West Point is strictly prohibited. Guided tours depart from the West Point Visitors Center at various times throughout the year, so be sure to check the website below. The U.S. Military Academy requires all visitors over the age of 16 to bring a valid photo ID. If you're interested in attending a public event at West Point such as a sporting event or concert, click here.
Attraction Information
- Directions:
- For directions to the oldest U.S. service academy, please click here.
- West Point Tours Information:
- West Point Tours, Inc.
- P.O. Box 268, Highland Falls, NY 10928
- Phone: 845-446-4724
- Fax: 845-446-1205
- Website: www.westpointtours.com
- 1 hour tour admission: Adults: $12, Children ages 2-11: $9, Children under 2: Free
- 2 hour tour admission: Adults: $14, Children ages 2-11: $12, Children under 2: Free
- Contact:
- Phone: 845-938-2638 (visitors center)
- Website: www.usma.edu
- Website for Visitors: www.westpoint.edu
