USMA Social Scene Instagram & Twitter: @Westpoint Usma Facebook.Com/Westpointusma

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

USMA Social Scene Instagram & Twitter: @Westpoint Usma Facebook.Com/Westpointusma JULY 7, 2016 1 THE JULY 7, 2016 VOL. 73, NO. 26 ® UTY ONOR OUNTRY OINTER IEW D , H , C PSERVING THE U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AND THE COMMUNITY V OF WEST POINT ® A Steely Focus (Above) New cadets from the Class of 2020 soak up knowledge from the New Cadet Handbook June 29 during their third day of Cadet Basic Training at the U.S. Military Academy. (Right) Class of 2017 Cadet Anne Reidinger keeps the new cadets in line and focused before their next task during the fi rst week of Cadet Basic Training. P HOTOS BY MICHELLE EBERHART/PV 2 JULY 7, 2016 NEWS & FEATURES POINTER VIEW Thank you for your hard work A Fond Farewell By Col. Landy Dunham during the holiday weekend West Point Garrison Commander By Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr. To the West Point Garrison and Community, USMA Superintendent As the Change of Command and To the West Point Team, Responsibility ceremony for U.S. Army I want to express my deepest thanks for the hard Garrison West Point draws near, Command Sgt. work and outstanding support you all have provided Maj. Joel Crawford and I want to thank all the over this past holiday weekend. Soldiers, cadets, civilians, family members and Our annual Independence Day concert and fireworks citizens of our neighboring communities. We display was a huge success, drawing thousands of agree that serving as your Garrison Command visitors to West Point. The West Point Band, as always, team has been the greatest honor of both of our put on an outstanding performance that both entertained blessed military careers. and inspired everyone in attendance, particularly the West Point is home to the world’s premier new cadets who enjoyed a brief break from Cadet Basic leader development institution, where we Training. educate, train and inspire leaders of character The Band also responded to a last-minute request who are committed to the values of Duty, Honor, to travel to New York City and perform on Fox and Country. Friends that morning. I truly appreciate their flexibility Sustaining West Point takes an amazing and willingness to represent West Point to a nationwide audience. team of teams consisting of our Garrison, the Additionally, I’d like to thank the Directorate of Emergency Services team for their many elements of the United States Military Col. Landy Dunham herculean efforts in maintaining crowd control and security at Trophy Point, as well as getting Academy, Keller Army Community Hospital most of all you have shown us love. Thank you. our visitors on and off post safely. and all other supporting organizations. We will certainly miss our rockbound On Monday, we conducted funeral services for Cadet Tom Surdyke from the Class of It also takes the efforts of hundreds of highland home and each and every one of you. 2019, who passed away last week while heroically saving a civilian swimmer’s life during outstanding local community volunteers with a I ask that you welcome the new USAG West his leave. The Surdyke family asked to have services on July 4, which would have been desire to serve and the same strong commitment Point Command team with open arms. Col. Tom’s 19th birthday, and I’m grateful for the incredible support everyone provided to honor to excellence. Andy Hanson and Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick the family’s wishes. For the past two years, this community has Taylor represent the best of our Army and are So many of you from USCC, the Chaplain’s office, the Association of Graduates and shown Command Sgt. Maj. Crawford and me eager to join this winning team. the USMA staff went above and beyond, working on an accelerated timeline over a holiday commitment, wisdom, courage and loyalty, but Beat Navy! weekend, in order to support the Surdyke family and provide a proper tribute to our fallen teammate. Additionally, the Village of Highland Falls and a number of local businesses stepped in on short notice to support the family. I am personally overwhelmed by your dedication, commitment to excellence and USMA announces new CSM willingness to always go the extra mile. Words cannot fully express my appreciation for all of your efforts and I am proud to lead such an amazing group of professionals. By West Point Public Affairs Office the 19th Command Thank you for all you do each and every day to make us the world’s premier leader Sergeant Major of development institution. The Department of the Army announced the U.S. Military Beat Navy! Tuesday the selection of Command Sgt. Maj. Academy at West Timothy A. Guden as the 19th Command Point,” Guden said. Sergeant Major of the United States Military “I am excited and Academy at West Point. honored to be able “Command Sergeant Major Guden is to serve at this New Cadet Visitation Day takes place an outstanding leader who brings a wealth very prestigious of experience to this important position,” institution and Command Sgt. Maj. Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, Jr. the immense Timothy Guden from 1-5 p.m. July 17 for Class of 2020 said. “He will be a great role model for the Corps importance of its purpose does not escape me of Cadets as well as our staff and faculty, and for one second. I look forward to serving with New Cadet Visitation Day, commonly referred to as the “Ice Cream Social,” is scheduled we look forward to him joining the West Point each and every member of the West Point team 1-5 p.m. July 17. leadership team.” as we mold America’s sons and daughters into Volunteers are needed and they should review important information on the sign-up page Guden is currently the Joint Force commissioned leaders of character who will at the Academy Management System (AMS) website at https://apps.usma.edu/. Headquarters-National Capital Region serve within and be the future of this great Volunteers from across the West Point community will pick up new cadets from the Command Sergeant Major in Fort McNair, profession we call the Army.” barracks, listen to their stories, allow them to communicate with friends and family, and share Washington, D.C. Guden will assume responsibility of the light refreshments. The Class of 2020 has approximately 1,300 new cadets. “It is truly humbling to have been selected as Academy later this summer. 40 Mulberry Street, Middletown, NY 10940 POINTER VIEW ® To subscribe to the Pointer View or The Army civilian enterprise newspaper, the Pointer View, is an authorized publication for members The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not if you have delivery problems, call 845-346-3214. of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pointer View are not necessarily the official views of, or constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army or the Times Herald- Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, Jr. Michelle Eberhart endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of the Army or the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Record. Superintendent PV Assistant Editor, 938-3079 The editorial content of the Pointer View is the responsibility of the U.S. Military Academy Public Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use or patronage Lt. Col. Christopher G. Kasker [email protected] Affairs Office, Bldg. 600, West Point, New York 10996, (845) 938-2015. without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, Public Affairs Officer Kathy Eastwood The Pointer View is printed weekly by the Times Herald-Record, a private firm in no way connected political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Eric S. Bartelt PV Staff Writer, 938-3684 with the Department of the Army, under exclusive contract with West Point. The Times Herald-Record is If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher PV Managing Editor, 938-2015 responsible for all commercial advertising. will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation has been corrected. [email protected] [email protected] POINTER VIEW IN FOCUS: COMMAND CHANGES JULY 7, 2016 3 Budihas takes charge at USMAPS Col. Christopher Budihas assumed command of the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) during a ceremony at Bates Auditorium July 1. Budihas graduated from Jacksonville University and was commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate in the Infantry in 1994. He originally enlisted into the Marines in 1987 as a rifleman, before being selected into the enlisted commissioning program. PHOTOS BY MICHELLE EBERHART/PV Rutledge new 2nd Aviation Commander U.S. Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., presents the 2nd Aviation Detachment guidon to incoming 2nd Avn. Commander CW4 Michael G. Rutledge July 1 at the 2nd Avn. Hanger at Stewart Airport. Rutledge enlisted in the U.S. Navy, became a Naval Aircrewman and Helicopter Rescue Combat Support Squadron Five at Naval Air Station Agana, Guam as a crew chief on a CH-46. Rutledge was accepted to Army Warrant Officer Candidate School in 2002 and follow-on training as an Army Aviator. Rutledge replaces CW5 Alan C. Mack who was the commander of the West Point Flight Detachment (2nd AVN) since July 12, 2013. PHOTO BY KATHY EASTWOOD/PV 4 JULY 7, 2016 POINTER VIEW West Point Cadet experiences Civil Affairs, Cultural Training Story and photo by Spc. Angela Lorden their experiences in the Army to better his training opportunities that cross his way. seen how it’s changed people, for the better.
Recommended publications
  • Reunion Booklet
    Class of 1957 60th Reunion APRIL 27-30, 2017 1 1 USMA Class of 1957 60th Reunion West Point, New York elcome to the 60th Reunion of the Class of 1957. This booklet provides an W update to changes regarding facilities at our alma mater since we graduated. We all appreciate how fortunate we are to be associated with such an outstanding and historic institution as this—“Our” United States Military Academy. In this booklet you will find a copy of our Reunion schedule, photos and information about new and modernized facilities on our West Point “campus” and a map showing the location of these facilities. For those visiting the West Point Cemetery we have included a diagram of the Cemetery and a list of our classmates and family members buried there. Again—WELCOME to OUR 60th REUNION. We look forward to seeing you and hope you have a grand time. We have enjoyed planning this opportunity to once again get together and visit with you. REUNION SCHEDULE 2017 (as of 4/17/17) Thursday, April 27, 2017 4:30-7:30 pm Reunion Check-in and Hap Arnold Room, Thayer Hotel Come As You Are Memorabilia Pick-up 6:00-9:00 pm Welcome Reception, Buffet Thayer Hotel Come As You Are Dinner Friday, April 28, 2017 8:00-9:15 am Reunion Check-in and Hap Arnold Room, Thayer Hotel Business Casual Memorabilia Pick-up 9:30 am Bus to Memorial Service Picks up at the front entrance of the Thayer Hotel and drops off in Business Casual Bring your Reunion Guide Book the parking lot behind the cemetery 10:00 am Memorial Service Old Cadet Chapel Business Casual 10:40 am Class Business
    [Show full text]
  • West Point Graduation FACT SHEET Questions and Responses
    West Point Graduation FACT SHEET Questions and Responses BAR PINNINGS Where do the bar pinnings take place, when? Please ask your cadet. The location of bar pinning ceremonies will vary. They may begin as soon as your cadet has completed final clearing after graduation. CONSTITUTION ISLAND How do I get to Constitution Island? Constitution Island can be reached by boat from South Dock. The post shuttle will include a stop at South Dock 12:30 -6 p.m. Wed./Thurs. The boat departs every half hour from 1-5:30 p.m. on these days. DRESS What should I wear for the banquet and hop? The civilian dress for these events is formal. The suggested dress for men is a tuxedo or conservative business suit and a long or short formal dress for ladies. What should I wear for the Graduation ceremony? The suggested civilian dress is a business suit or coat & tie for men and afternoon dress or suit for ladies. Please note that umbrellas, backpacks and coolers will not be allowed into the stadium. ENTERING WEST POINT What gate should I enter? Guests should use the Thayer or Stony Lonesome gates to enter the Military Academy grounds. Washington Gate is reserved for only those with DoD decals on their vehicles and with military or civilian DoD identification. What kind of security should I expect? Individuals age 16 or older are required to show photo identification. When approaching the gates, please have identification out and ready to present to the gate guards. All vehicles are subject to search. EVENTS PRIOR TO GRADUATION What time is the graduation parade? The graduation parade is at 10:30 a.m., Friday.
    [Show full text]
  • Student Competition and Welcome You Here As Our Guests
    AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS STUDENT WEST POINT, NY COMPETITION UPSTATE NEW YORK REGION 16TH-18TH APRIL 2015 EVENTS: • Concrete Canoe • Steel Bridge • Mead Paper • Mystery Event Contents Important Contacts and Phone Numbers ........................................................................................ 2 Welcome! ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Scavenger Hunt!.............................................................................................................................. 4 General Information ........................................................................................................................ 5 Security ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 Safety/Rules .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Meals ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Competition Timeline ..................................................................................................................... 6 Map of Post ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Map of On Post Parking (Vicinity of
    [Show full text]
  • CHAINING the HUDSON the Fight for the River in the American Revolution
    CHAINING THE HUDSON The fight for the river in the American Revolution COLN DI Chaining the Hudson Relic of the Great Chain, 1863. Look back into History & you 11 find the Newe improvers in the art of War has allways had the advantage of their Enemys. —Captain Daniel Joy to the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, January 16, 1776 Preserve the Materials necessary to a particular and clear History of the American Revolution. They will yield uncommon Entertainment to the inquisitive and curious, and at the same time afford the most useful! and important Lessons not only to our own posterity, but to all succeeding Generations. Governor John Hancock to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, September 28, 1781. Chaining the Hudson The Fight for the River in the American Revolution LINCOLN DIAMANT Fordham University Press New York Copyright © 2004 Fordham University Press All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored ii retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotation: printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher. ISBN 0-8232-2339-6 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Diamant, Lincoln. Chaining the Hudson : the fight for the river in the American Revolution / Lincoln Diamant.—Fordham University Press ed. p. cm. Originally published: New York : Carol Pub. Group, 1994. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8232-2339-6 (pbk.) 1. New York (State)—History—Revolution, 1775-1783—Campaigns. 2. United States—History—Revolution, 1775-1783—Campaigns. 3. Hudson River Valley (N.Y.
    [Show full text]
  • Class of 1988 – 30Th Reunion FAQ
    Class of 1988 – 30th Reunion FAQ Table of Contents 1. Add Events to Previous Registration 2. Alumni Center & Gift Shop, Herbert Hall 3. Attendee List 4. Attire 5. Cancellation Timeline (Reunion) 6. Cancellations (Reunion – How to) 7. Car Service 8. Class and West Point Gear (Memorabilia) 9. Confirmation of Registration 10. Contact Information 11. Dietary Restrictions 12. Entering West Point 13. Football Game Day Information 14. Football Game Day Shuttle 15. Football Game Tickets 16. Handicapped Information 17. Lost & Found 18. Map of West Point 19. Medical Rentals & Support Companies 20. Menus 21. Parking Game Day 22. Parking Non-Game Day 23. Places at West Point Open to Graduates and their Guests to Visit 24. Register (How To & Important Dates) 25. Registration Fee 26. Reunion Events 1. Add Events to Previous Registration – Before Monday, September 3 If you register for the reunion and then decide to add an event(s) or guest(s), go back to the registration site, fill out the required information at the top, add the new additions to events and any new guest names, select continue, and submit your credit card information again. You do not need to pay another Registration Fee. This new registration will be combined with your previous registration. You will receive an email confirmation of the additional event(s) added. 2. Alumni Center & Gift Shop, Herbert Hall Monday-Thursday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday before football game 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday (on game days) 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Page 1/15 Class of 1988 – 30th Reunion FAQ 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Dearden Earns First 2008-09 Scholarship After Harrowing Journey, Statue Rests Here
    Army/Temple, football season opener tonight at 7 p.m. ® VOL. 65, NO. 33 SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF THE U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT AUGUST 29, 2008 Dearden earns first 2008-09 scholarship Story and photo by Eric S. Bartelt Receiving a scholarship is a special moment for any student, and this year’s brigade executive officer has the distinction of being the first West Point cadet this academic year to be a recipient of a scholarship. Firstie Brady Dearden, 23, from West Windsor, N.J., recently was named a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship winner for 2008. Dearden plans on working toward his one-year master’s degree in international studies at a place to be determined in November. He will Firstie Brady Dearden study in one of three countries of his a multi-national force environment,” choice -- England, Switzerland or Dearden said. “It will be very helpful the Netherlands. to understand what’s going on and With a focus regarding the how I can communicate that to my broader picture, he wants to serve his Soldiers. Being able to do that, I feel, country the very best he can, and an would make me a better prepared international studies master’s degree officer to serve the nation.” Acceptance into the Corps is a giant step in that direction. The third-highest ranking cadet The new cadets march into the ranks of the Corps of Cadets and officially become the Class of “I really enjoy international in the Corps of Cadets has a history 2012 during the Acceptance Day Parade on the Plain Saturday.
    [Show full text]
  • Guidebook: American Revolution
    Guidebook: American Revolution UPPER HUDSON Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site http://nysparks.state.ny.us/sites/info.asp?siteId=3 5181 Route 67 Hoosick Falls, NY 12090 Hours: May-Labor Day, daily 10 AM-7 PM Labor Day-Veterans Day weekends only, 10 AM-7 PM Memorial Day- Columbus Day, 1-4 p.m on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Phone: (518) 279-1155 (Special Collections of Bailey/Howe Library at Uni Historical Description: Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site is the location of a Revolutionary War battle between the British forces of Colonel Friedrich Baum and Lieutenant Colonel Henrick von Breymann—800 Brunswickers, Canadians, Tories, British regulars, and Native Americans--against American militiamen from Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire under Brigadier General John Stark (1,500 men) and Colonel Seth Warner (330 men). This battle was fought on August 16, 1777, in a British effort to capture American storehouses in Bennington to restock their depleting provisions. Baum had entrenched his men at the bridge across the Walloomsac River, Dragoon Redoubt, and Tory Fort, which Stark successfully attacked. Colonel Warner's Vermont militia arrived in time to assist Stark's reconstituted force in repelling Breymann's relief column of some 600 men. The British forces had underestimated the strength of their enemy and failed to get the supplies they had sought, weakening General John Burgoyne's army at Saratoga. Baum and over 200 men died and 700 men surrendered. The Americans lost 30 killed and forty wounded The Site: Hessian Hill offers picturesque views and interpretative signs about the battle. Directions: Take Route 7 east to Route 22, then take Route 22 north to Route 67.
    [Show full text]
  • Cadet Gray : a Pictorial History of Life at West Point As Seen Through Its
    C'.jMs * V. *$'.,. yft v5sp»hV -• sp:km■&■:: -. SlKfHWt:'Yr'^ if*## w ■W.» H'• mATAA imflmt,mWw- mm ■M fwi uwJuSuU;rt”i> i ifyffiiRt >11 OT»X; w^lssii' ^;fL--„i‘. • ■•'■&»> .‘ 44 V . ir'YVV. <iVv -\\#■ • - . < •? ■ .« *5 ^'*V • *’vJ* •"•''' i\ ' p,'ii*.^55?V'..'S *'•• • ■ ’■4v YU'r '• iii#>«;•.' >v . •" S/M .'.fi'i -ft' ,' 1« ■ wafts. | if ~*^kl \ l\ % . • — CADET * . CRAY ■ A cadet officer (with chevrons) and a Plebe in "50-50” Full Dress, on the Plain at West Point. The officer’s insignia denote that he is a Distinguished Cadet, a lieu¬ tenant, and a First Classman. msm \ PICTORIAL HISTORY OF LIFE AT WEST POINT AS SEEN THROUGH ITS UNIFORMS !Y FREDERICK P. TODD, COL,, U.S.A.R. ILLUSTRATED BY FREDERICK T. CHAPMAN I i ■ ••••:1 ^ ■—1 To My Wife By the Same Author SOLDIERS OF THE AMERICAN ARMY Copyright, 1955 by STERLING PUBLISHING CO., Inc. 215 East 37 St., New York 16, N. Y. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions Manufactured in the United States of America Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 55-12306 This edition is published by Bonanza Books, a division of Crown Publishers, Inc. by arrangement with the original publisher, Sterling Co., Inc. Contents The United States Military Academy . What Cadet Gray Means. 11 The First Uniform . 15 Republican Styles . 19 Partridge’s Gray Uniform. 22 Cadet Dress in Thayer’s Time . 25 The West Point Band . 32 Plumes, Swords and Other Distinctions. 38 Fatigue and Foul Weather Clothing. 44 In the 1850’s and ’60’s.
    [Show full text]
  • Class Giving Volunteer Handbook
    Welcome EST POIN W T A S S S E O T C A IA U T I AD ON OF GR CLASS GIVING VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK 2019 1 Welcome 2 2 EST POIN W T You Are Part of a Tradition A S S S E O T C A IA U T I AD ON OF GR Dear Class Giving Volunteer, Thank you for agreeing to serve as a Class fundraising volunteer. The West Point Association of Graduates appreciates your dedication to your Class and the Academy, and we will make every effort to ensure that the experience is rewarding for you. Volunteers like you make a significant, positive impact on West Point and the Corps of Cadets. As a fundraiser, it is important that you know what Class funds support, why the support is needed, and how to ask for this support. We have created this handbook to give you a comprehensive understanding of these three fundraising fundamentals. We hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions, please let us know. Again, THANK YOU for volunteering to lead your Class in a successful fundraising effort! Elena Ivanova ’99 Director of Class Giving Kristin E. Sorenson Vice President of Development 3 Welcome 4 Welcome Table of Contents Overview: Class Reunion Gift Campaigns ................................................7 Fast Facts: Class Reunion Gift Campaigns ............................................... 9 Responsibilities: WPAOG Class Giving Staff .............................................11 Responsibilities: Class Leaders and Volunteers ..........................................12 Soliciting a Class Gift ................................................................14
    [Show full text]
  • A Taste of New England
    Join the Southington Adult Education United States Military Academy At West Point May 2, 2015 The United States Military Academy at West Point is proud of its reputation as a leading Developer of military recruits, educating, training and inspiring each cadet in the value Of duty, honor and country. The Corps of Cadets, West Point’s student body, numbers 4400. Each year, approximately 1000 cadets graduate to undertake commissions as Second lieutenants in the US Army. Tour Highlights RT motorcoach transportation West Point Tour Informative and exciting, there is no better way to experience the sweep of America’s history Than with a tour of West Point. View breathtaking scenery from West Point which Overlooks the Hudson River as it winds through the Hudson Highlands. Historic figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower and even Benedict Arnold all have a role in the story of West Point and our nation. This tour will make stops at the Main Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, Battle Monument And the Plain. Lunch at the Thayer Hotel A Legendary Setting with Spectacular River Views! Seated on a hilltop in Upstate New York, with commanding views of the Hudson River and The United States Military Academy at West Point, the Historic Thayer Hotel is a national Historic treasure visited by past US Presidents, international leaders and celebrities. West Point Parade Review The Review is a highlight of the visitors experience at West Point. It starts with the West Point Rifle Drill Team followed by the Brigade Review—including the West Point Band.
    [Show full text]
  • History of the US Army Corps of Engineers
    History of the US Army Corps of Engineers Course No: B07-002 Credit: 7 PDH Robert Steelhammer, P.E. Continuing Education and Development, Inc. 22 Stonewall Court Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 P: (877) 322-5800 [email protected] The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A History Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office of History Alexandria, Virginia 2008 This is the Official U.S. Government edition of this publication and is herein identified to certify its authenticity. Use of ISBN 978-0-16-079585-5 is for U.S. Government Printing Office Official Editions only. The Superintendent of Documents of the U.S. Government Printing Office requests that any reprinted edition clearly be labeled as a copy of the authentic work with a new ISBN. It is prohibited to use the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seal, as it appears on the cover, on any republication of this material without the express, written permission of the Office of History, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Any person using official seals and logos in a manner inconsistent with the Federal Regulations Act is subject to penalty. Foreword his illustrated history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides an overview of many of the missions that engineers have performed in support of the U.S. Army and the Nation since the early days of the T American Revolution. A permanent institution since 1802, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has effect- ively and proudly responded to changing defense requirements and has played an integral part in the development of the Nation.
    [Show full text]
  • Fort Montgomery: Fortification on the Hudson and Threatened Historic Site
    Middle States Geographer, 2010, 43: 85-95 FORT MONTGOMERY: FORTIFICATION ON THE HUDSON AND THREATENED HISTORIC SITE Andrew D. Lohman Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering United Sates Military Academy West Point, New York, 10997 ABSTRACT: In its short history, both as a Revolutionary War fortification and a state historic site to commemorate that role, Fort Montgomery has been a contested place. Built to protect the American’s first efforts to chain the Hudson River during the War for Independence, Fort Montgomery was attacked, captured, and destroyed by the British within two years of its construction. In 2002, after years of effort by historical groups, Fort Montgomery opened to the public as a state historic site to celebrate the history and cultural heritage of the Hudson Valley region. Yet once again, this site has become a contested place as budget shortfalls within New York State threaten its future. While most works and discussions on Fort Montgomery focus on the historical events at this particular place in 1777, this paper examines Fort Montgomery from a geographical perspective, exploring the locational decisions and geographic considerations which led the Americans to initially select this particular place to defend the Hudson as well as the decisions to potentially close this historic site. Furthermore, this perspective illustrates that these historic sites are not only valuable places for learning about events in the past, but also about the historical and current geography of region. Keywords: Fort Montgomery, Hudson River, Revolutionary War, Historic sites INTRODUCTION West Point, the site of this year‘s Middle States‘ Division annual meeting, has played an important role in American history.
    [Show full text]