View no.12, West Point Academy

Watercolor on Linen / 13“ X 18”

Across the river from a Native American village (now Garrison), the Patriots built their strongest defense at West Point which George Washington considered the most strategic position in the Highlands. They also built a second chain across the river to try to stop the British fleet, but by this time the major battles of the war had moved south of the Highlands and these defenses were never used.

After the war George Washington, now president, urged Congress to establish a military school at this location. Construction began in 1809, and today it remains one of the country’s principal military training institutions, with over 4,000 cadets. It also houses the country’s premier war museum. At West Point only Fort Putnam remains.