A Peek Inside West Point

By Y.M. Lowy

Just a 25 minutes from Kiryas Yoel is West Point, a famous military college sitting high above the Hudson River in New York, where cadets train to become officers in the U.S. Army. West Point is open to the public, but visitors aged 17 and older must present valid photo identification. 

The Cadets attending the college have a rigorous routine with no breaks. 

Cadets wake before 6:30 a.m. for training, room inspections, and then breakfast. Classes run all day, with drills in between. They move in formation, stay in uniform, and follow strict schedules. After dinner, they study until lights out at 11:30 p.m. 

When you visit, you start at the Visitors Center. There are cool exhibits, like a model of a cadet’s dorm room and videos showing what training is like. Right next door is a museum filled with old weapons, uniforms, and real war stories.

A tour takes you across the campus, past imposing stone buildings and statues of famous generals. You might even see cadets marching in formation during lunch promptly at noon.

One of the best parts is the view from Trophy Point, where old cannons face the river. If you like quiet walks, there’s a peaceful trail called Flirtation Walk right by the water.

West Point, formally known as the United States Military Academy, was established in 1802 and is the oldest continuously operating military post in the United States

President Thomas Jefferson signed the legislation that created the academy, aiming to train engineers and military leaders for the young nation. Its early curriculum was heavily focused on science and engineering, and for much of the 19th century, West Point was the nation’s premier engineering school.

Many of the Civil War’s most prominent generals, from both the Union and Confederate armies, were West Point graduates. 

The combination of rich history and breathtaking landscapes makes West Point a noteworthy destination for families of all ages.