Before West Point became the military institution that it is today. It served as a vital tactical location for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. General George Washington noticed the significance of the location and stated that West Point was “the most strategic position in America” and knew that it would play a vital role in gaining a strategic advantage against the British. The area along the Hudson River consisted of many hills and offered defensive fields of fire which would prevent the British ships from traveling along the river to split up the 13 Colonies. However, America was still considered a young nation as other means of transportation weren’t developed yet and rivers were the primary means of providing food, supplies, transporting Soldiers and also early means of communication between the colonies.
Once the Continental Army secured the location, General Washington appointed a talented Polish engineer by the name of Tadeusz Kosciuszko to construct the defenses for the fort. Which at the time were considered a marvel among fortifications. Once the fortifications were complete Washington decided to make this location his headquarters …show more content…
As time went on the graduates from West Point help to establish early methods of transportation such as bridges, roads, harbors and railroads. However, West Point gained critical acclaim during the Mexican-American war as this was considered the institutions first battle. As time went on the academy produced stellar leaders which went on to become war heroes such as Ulysses S. Grant, which became the 18th president of the United States and Robert E. Lee. Both of them commanded armies and help to bring victory for the United States during the Mexican-American war and also the Civil War. There were other notable leaders produced which also were key figures in America’s
Once the Continental Army secured the location, General Washington appointed a talented Polish engineer by the name of Tadeusz Kosciuszko to construct the defenses for the fort. Which at the time were considered a marvel among fortifications. Once the fortifications were complete Washington decided to make this location his headquarters …show more content…
As time went on the graduates from West Point help to establish early methods of transportation such as bridges, roads, harbors and railroads. However, West Point gained critical acclaim during the Mexican-American war as this was considered the institutions first battle. As time went on the academy produced stellar leaders which went on to become war heroes such as Ulysses S. Grant, which became the 18th president of the United States and Robert E. Lee. Both of them commanded armies and help to bring victory for the United States during the Mexican-American war and also the Civil War. There were other notable leaders produced which also were key figures in America’s