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1800s |
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1802
The United States Military Academy is established by an Act of
Congress of March 16.
Jonathan Williams, grandnephew of Benjamin Franklin, becomes the Academy’s first
Superintendent.
1803
Teacher of French and Teacher of Drawing authorized for the
Military Academy.
1806
Louis Loramier graduates from the Military Academy.
He is reputed to be the first Native American to achieve that
distinction.
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1810s |
The USMA Band's roots date back to 1812 (Photo, 1890).
Sylvanus Thayer
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1812
An Act of Congress sets the size of the Corps of Cadets at 250,
and establishes entrance requirements and qualifications for cadets.
The law allows the employment of a number of enlisted musicians
who form the nucleus of the USMA Band, now the oldest Army
band in the United States.
1815
Alden Partridge, an 1806 graduate, becomes Academy
Superintendent.
1816
Gray adopted as the color of the cadet uniform.
1817
Sylvanus Thayer, an 1808 graduate, takes command
of the Military Academy.
1819
Commandant's quarters completed.
1819 - 1942
Clinton Field, immediately west of Fort Clinton, becomes the site of the cadet summer camp
from 1819 until 1942.
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1820s |
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1820
Superintendent’s Quarters completed.
1828
Kosciuszko Monument given by the Corps of Cadets in honor of
Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the Polish patriot, who helped
plan the fortifications at West Point during the
Revolutionary War.
1829
West Point Hotel built on the northern edge of the Plain
overlooking the Hudson River.
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1830s |
Old Cadet Chapel
completed 1836
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1833
Colonel Thayer is relieved from duty as Superintendent at his own request.
1835
West Point’s Class of 1835 originates the Class Ring custom.
1836
Old Cadet Chapel opens for services.
1838
An Act of Congress makes the term of service eight years thus ensuring the government four
years of service in return for four years of education.
"Benny Havens, O!" first published in the Army and Navy Chronicle.
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1840s |
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1841
LT Irvin McDowell organizes the West Point Army Mess.
1843
Congress passes a law providing for one cadet from each Congressional district, establishing
the Academy’s national character.
1846-1848
Military successes in the Mexican War establish national confidence in West Point training.
1848-1851
New barracks built and constitutes a section of what is later known as Central Barracks.
1850 THROUGH 1899 >>>>
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