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West Point

West Point’s importance is determined by its geography: here is a spot to command the mighty Hudson. In the 1770s, the Revolutionary forces knew they had to keep hold of it and the British and Loyalist forces were determined to grab it.

But in addition to its strategic location, West Point is also the scenic gem of the Hudson Valley. There is hardly a finer spot up or down the 315 miles of the river than this.

Considering the legacy of government architecture today — although attempts are being made to better it — it is astounding that the sprawling gothic fortress that is the United States Military Academy was built with equal measures of gusto and taste. The drama was well captured in these New York Central railway posters by Leslie Ragan and Frank Hazell.

No matter whether you are viewing it from the ruins of Fort Putnam, from the opposing shore in Garrison Landing, or from the waters of the river itself, West Point is the pearl of the Hudson.

Published at 4:05 pm on Thursday 30 July 2026. Categories: Architecture Art Tags: , .
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