When did West Point MIlitary Academy open?
Answer Hi, Janelle, it’s good to hear from you. Thanks for your interest in West Point. The simple answer to your question is: March 16, 1802. A more thorough answer follows. The military garrision at West Point has been continuously occupied since the Revolutionary War period. After the war an informal school evolved with a few students. The United States Military Academy was established on March 16, 1802 when President Thomas Jefferson signed into law the act of Congress establishing the Military Academy. The first two graduates were graduated in the fall of 1802, based upon the academic work they had been pursuiing prior to and after the formal establishment of the Military Academy. If you are interested in the details of that Act of Congress, check out this fascinating newspaper article from Philadelphia that was published two weeks later on March 27, 1802: http://www.virtualwp.org/documents/AuroraGA/AuroraGA_index.htm I trust that answers your question, Janelle.
