Guide to West Point, and the U.S. Military Academy

by Edward C. Boynton

The "Drives" at West Point and its vicinity, although limited in extent by the rugged character of the region, are possessed of infinite variety and beauty, from the constantly changing aspect of river, mountain, and valley. Besides the routes on the Post itself, the road South, along the riverbank to Fort Montgomery, about four miles distant, from its smoothness, easy grades, and the numerous attractive residences by the wayside, affords many present and pleasing after reminiscences of a sojourn at this delightful retreat.

Prominent among these attractions, and scarcely a mile distant from West Point, on the very brink of a precipice towering over the Hudson, stands Cozzens' Hotel, the name of which is inseparably associated with the name of its founder, whose benevolence, geniality, and hospitality is so intimately connected with West Point and the traveling public.

1866. West Point and its Vicinity.

Directly west of the Hotel stands the picturesque little church of the "Holy Innocents," erected by Professor Weir, to commemorate the early decease of two of his children. A little distance below, the village of Highland Falls is situated, on both sides of a mountain stream bearing the name of Buttermilk Falls, derived from the foaming passage of the water over steep rocks into the Hudson below. From this point onward to Fort Montgomery, the occasional expanse of the river, the charming country seats dotting the bank, and the magnificence of the mountains, continually inspires a feeling of happiness and contentment.

Fort Montgomery is situated on the north bank of Pooplopen's Creek, at its junction with the Hudson. It is elevated about 130 feet above the water, and the view from its ruined parapet covers an extent, and surpasses if possible in wildness, the landscape seen from the West Point Hotel. Fort Clinton, similarly elevated, stood directly opposite on the south side of the creek, and both works possess more than ordinary interest from having been the scene of a bloody assault and capture by a British force, under the command of Sir Henry Clinton, in October 1777. The forts were simultaneously carried at the point of the bayonet by overwhelming numbers; the last named, by a column moving up the bank of the river, and the former, by one moving down the valley, between the Dunderberg and Bear Mountain, through which the creek makes its way.

From West Point westward, the road diverges to the Cemetery, overlooking Camptown, where the soldiers are quartered, Washington's Valley, a little beyond, Constitution Island, the Foundry, and the village of Cold Spring. The tasteful monuments, with their military insignia and mournful inscriptions, unveil the attachment of many who fell in Florida, Mexico, Oregon, and in the Rebellion, for the spot protected and consecrated by their Alma Mater. The branch road south, immediately without the first West gate, leads to Fort Putnam, and intersects the river route a little above Cozzens' Hotel. The main road west, known as the "Canterbury Road," leads to Turner's Station, on the Erie Railroad, about fourteen miles distant, passing Long Pond, and the vicinity of many other ponds indicated on the map, most of which afford fine resorts for angling and hunting in the appropriate season. Three miles from West Point a branch from this road leads across the mountain to Canterbury, Cornwall, and Newburg, but the route is so rough as to render it unsuitable for pleasure driving. Just before reaching this point a road extends south through Eagle Valley to Highland Falls, affording a circuit of about seven miles, through a region abounding with new beauties at every turn. The road is in good condition, and the proposed intention of the Cozzens' Brothers to add to the attractions of their Hotel by erecting a mountain retreat at the Round Pond, will doubtless lead to further improvements.

The "Drives" on the east side of the Hudson are easy of access by the steam ferry, and are possessed of even stronger attractions. From the landing the road rises to the "Highland House," and from thence southward as far as Anthony's Nose, the route is one of exquisite beauty. Besides the numerous country seats, nowhere surpassed in elegance, and the thriving farms along the way, the Robinson House, situated at the base of Sugar Loaf Mountain, about one mile below, presents an object of deep and attractive interest. Preserved with all its original features, and as far as possible in the same condition as when it was made the scene of Arnold's treachery—hallowed by the footsteps of Washington and almost every general officer of the Revolution, and rendered impressive from its antiquity and the absence of all evidences of the progress of modern architecture and comfort, the Robinson House has survived, with its umbrageous foliage, for nearly a century, and remains at this day almost the only relic of its former princely proprietor.

From the Highland House northward the road, remarkable for its smoothness and delightful sheltering trees, extends to Indian Falls, some three miles distant. Passing a deep ravine, through which a sequestered tributary of the Hudson flows deep in the forest glade—so deep that, scarce even the Summer's noon-tide sun can force a single ray through the dense shade—the mountain stream after meandering through miles of untrodden woods, and chafing over its rocky bed, suddenly leaps the rocks fifty feet in height into a deep and glassy pool, forming a scene of surpassing beauty. Beyond, the road continues to Cold Spring, passing the Foundry and affording landscape views north and south, all capable of exciting the most pleasurable emotions.

The Military Exercises, everywhere an attractive spectacle to the American public, are at West Point productive of the most lasting and gratifying impressions, from the unrivaled excellence of the Band, the uniform neatness of the Cadets, and the precision with which the most difficult maneuvers are executed by them. The European traveler, accustomed to schools of instruction separate and apart for the education of Engineers, Artillery, Infantry, and Cavalry Officers, witnesses here with astonishment the perfection and familiarity which the Cadets exhibit in the performance of all the duties pertaining to these four branches of military organization. Some of these exercises are daily and continuous throughout the year, others, owing to the severity of the climate, are restricted to the period between the 15th of March and the 1st of November; and during the Encampment, which includes a part of June and the months of July and August, all studies are suspended, while daily practical instruction prevails as in actual field service.