Visiting West Point

The Hudson River was a crucial frontier during the Revolutionary War. Gen. George Washington had a giant chain stretched across the river at its deepest, and one of its narrowest, points in hopes of thwarting British naval traffic. The strategic location became known as West Point, and since 1802, it has been home to the United States Military Academy.

Our visit was all too brief. We opted for a one-hour tour, but next time, we will certainly stay longer. Even so, we saw the Cadet Chapel, with the largest church organ in the world; the legendary parade grounds; and the West Point Museum, filled with artifacts from every conflict in U.S. history.