=The United States Military Academy.=—­Soon after the close of the War of the Revolution, Washington suggested West Point as the site of a military academy, and, in 1793, in his annual message, recommended it to Congress, which in 1794 organized a corps of artillerists to be here stationed with thirty-two cadets, enlarging the number in 1798 to fifty-six.  In 1808 it was increased to one hundred and fifty-six, and in 1812 to two hundred and sixty.

Up to 1812 only 71 cadets had been graduated.  The roll of graduates now numbers about 5,000.

Each Congressman has the appointment of one cadet, supplemented by ten appointed by the President of the United States.  These cadets are members of the regular army, subject to its regulations for eight years, viz:  during four years of study and four years after graduating.  The candidates are examined in June, each year, and must be physically sound as well as mentally qualified.  The course is very thorough, especially in higher mathematics.  The cadets go into camp in July and August, and this is the pleasantest time to visit the point.

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  Enchanted place, hemmed in by mountain walls,
  By bristling guns and Hudson’s restful shore.

  Kenneth Bruce.

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The plans furnished by the architects of the new building will entirely change the appearance of the river front.  The proposed massive structure crowning the cliff will “out-castle” the most massive fortifications of the walled cities of Europe. $7,500,000 has been appropriated to the work by Congress and the next generation will behold a new West Point.

In the rebuilding of the Post the Cadet Chapel, the Riding Hall, the Administration Building and some of the Officers’ Quarters will be removed.  Most of the old important buildings, however, will not be disturbed, and the Chapel will be placed as it were “intact” on another site.  The plan leaves untouched the Cadet Barracks, the Cadet Mess, the Memorial Hall, the Library and the Officers’ Mess.  The tower of the new Post Headquarters will rise high and massive several stories above the other structures and present in enduring symbol the republic standing four square and firm throughout the ages.

In the “West Point Souvenir,” prepared by W. H. Tripp, which every visitor will prize, are many suggestions and descriptions of value.  From many visits and many sources we condense the following brevities: 

=The Cadet Barracks= was built in 1845-51 of native granite.  In 1882 the western wing was extended adding two divisions.

=The Academy Building= is immediately opposite the Headquarters, of Massachusetts granite, erected in 1891-95, and cost about $500,000.  It contains recitation and lecture rooms of all departments of instruction.

=The Ordnance Museum= contains an interesting and extensive exhibit of ancient and modern firearms, also many valuable trophies from the Revolutionary, Mexican, Civil and Spanish wars.