West Point

The United States Military Academy, also known as 'West Point, or simply USMA (or Army, for NCAA purposes), is a United States Army fort and military academy. West Point was first a military post under the command of Benedict Arnold. Established in 1802, it is the oldest military academy in the United States. Students are referred to as cadets. Collectively, graduates are known as "The Long Gray Line" because of the color of cadet uniforms and the unbroken line of West Point graduates.

The Academy is located at West Point, New York, on a scenic overlook of the Hudson River, about 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City. (41°23′38″N, 73°57′16″W). Consequently, it is often referred to as "Hudson High". Occupying over 16,000 acres (65 km²), it is one of the largest school campuses in the world. Its unique combination of facilities includes a ski slope and artillery range, in addition to the academic buildings and sports facilities found on a typical university campus. The post itself was first occupied in 1778, and it is thus the oldest continuously occupied military post in the United States.

West Point in Southern Victory
The United States Military Academy produced an impressive list of alumni, many of whom became important military and political in both the United States and the Confederate States in the years after the War of Secession.

Alumni from the United States

 * George Armstrong Custer
 * Abner Dowling
 * Ulysses S. Grant
 * Hunter Liggett
 * George McClellan
 * Irving Morrell
 * Mason Patrick
 * John Pershing
 * John Pope

Alumni from the Confederate States

 * Edward Porter Alexander
 * Jefferson Davis
 * Braxton Bragg
 * Ambrose Burnside
 * Thomas Jackson
 * Albert Sydney Johnston
 * Fitzhugh Lee
 * Robert E. Lee
 * James Longstreet
 * Jeb Stuart