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

Nestled on a dramatic plateau above the Hudson, West Point has long been a crossroads of natural beauty and military strategy. This guide walks listeners through the sweeping landscape of the Hudson Highlands, from the towering Alleghany peaks to the winding river that once formed the nation’s vital artery. Along the way, it introduces the early fortifications that first marked the site as a strategic stronghold during the Revolution.

The narrative then shifts to the fledgling efforts of colonial commissioners and Continental troops who transformed the rugged terrain into a defensive network of forts, redoubts, and earthworks. By exploring the origins of Fort Constitution, Fort Putnam, and the early work of engineers like Kosciuszko, the guide paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those defending American liberty. Listeners will come away with a richer appreciation of how this remarkable location evolved from a contested frontier to the esteemed home of the United States Military Academy.