Part 14 (1/2)
=The Cadet Barracks= was built in 1845-51 of native granite. In 1882 the western wing was extended adding two divisions.
=The Academy Building= is immediately opposite the Headquarters, of Ma.s.sachusetts granite, erected in 1891-95, and cost about $500,000.
It contains recitation and lecture rooms of all departments of instruction.
=The Ordnance Museum= contains an interesting and extensive exhibit of ancient and modern firearms, also many valuable trophies from the Revolutionary, Mexican, Civil and Spanish wars.
Among the fair and lovely Highlands of the Hudson, shut in by deep green heights and ruined forts, hemmed in all round with memories of Was.h.i.+ngton, there could be no more appropriate ground for the military school of America.
_Charles d.i.c.kens._
=The Cadet Chapel=, immediately north of the Administration Building, was erected in 1834. The chapel contains many valuable trophies of the Revolutionary and Mexican wars, including three Hessian and two British flags that were once the property of Was.h.i.+ngton. The walls have many memorial tablets and a famous ”blank” of Arnold. Here also are several cannon surrendered at Saratoga, October 17, 1777.
=The Administration Building= was completed in 1871.
=The Library= adjoins the Cadet Chapel on the east, built of native granite in 1841, costing about $15,000. In 1900 the building was entirely reconstructed of fire-proof material by appropriation of $80,000. The exterior walls of the original building entered into the remodeled structure. The Library, founded in 1812, has about 50,000 volumes.
=The Gymnasium= adjoins the Barracks on the west, erected of native granite, costing $90,000.
=Memorial Hall=, plainly seen from the Hudson, completed in 1899, is of Ionic architecture. The building cost $268,000, a legacy bequeathed by Gen. George W. Cullum, built of Milford granite for army trophies of busts, paintings and memorials. The bronze statute of Gen. John Sedgwick in the northwest angle of the plain was dedicated in 1868.
The fine cenotaph of Italian marble was erected in 1885. It stands immediately in front of Memorial Hall.
=Kosciusko's Monument= was erected in 1828. It stands in the northeast angle of Fort Clinton.
=The Chain-Battery= walk runs from Kosciusko's Garden northward to Light House Point, near which was the battery that defended the chain across the river in the Revolution. The scene is of great beauty and has been known for many years by the name of ”Flirtation Walk.”
Where Kosciusko dreamed and proud scenes bring To mind the stormy days when Liberty Was cradled at West Point--the Highlands' key.
_Kenneth Bruce._
[Ill.u.s.tration: BATTLE MONUMENT, WEST POINT]
=The Battle Monument=, on Trophy Point, is the most beautiful on the reservation--a column of victory in memory of 2,230 officers and soldiers of the regular army of the United States who were killed or died of wounds received in the war of the Rebellion. It is a monolith of polished granite surmounted by a figure of Fame. The shaft is 46 feet in length, 5 feet in diameter, and said to be the largest piece of polished stone in the world. The cost of the work was $66,000. The site was dedicated June 15, 1864. The monument was dedicated in 1897.
The address was by Justice Brewer.
=Trophy Point=, on the north side of the plain, overlooking the river and commanding a majestic view of the Hudson and the city of Newburgh, has been likened by European travelers to a view on Lake Geneva.
Here are the ”swivel clevies” and 16 links of the old chain that was stretched across the river at this point. The whole chain, 1,700 feet long, weighing 186 tons, was forged at the Sterling Iron Works, transported to New Windsor and there attached to log booms and floated down the river to this point.
=Old Fort Putnam= was erected in 1778 by the 5th Ma.s.sachusetts Regiment under the direction of Col. Rufus Putnam. It was originally constructed of logs and trees with stone walls on two sides to defend Fort Clinton on the plain below. It was garrisoned by 450 men, and had 14 guns mounted. In 1787 it was dismantled, and the guns sold as old iron. Its brick arch cas.e.m.e.nts overgrown with moss, vines, and shrubbery are crumbling away, but are well worth a visit. It is 495 feet above the Hudson. A winding picturesque carriage road leads up from the plain, and the pedestrian can reach the summit in 20 minutes.
On clear days the Catskill Mountains are visible.