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West
Point is a name that
reverberates through the annals of American history from its earliest pages
to present day. Its hallowed halls have known military leaders who lead the
way in every major land battle from the Civil War to Desert Storm. Two of its
career soldiers would become President of the United States; two others would
walk on the moon. West Point explores the
dramatic 200-year old story of The United States Military Academy.
West Point's role in the
nation's history dates back to the Revolutionary War - with General George
Washington lauding the proximity as the most strategic position in America.
Remote and close to a tricky S curve in the Hudson River, West
Point proved impregnable. The British never conquered the
fortress, despite a key insider's attempt to sell its plans to the British.
Today that key insider's name is synonymous with traitor - General Benedict
Arnold.
In 1802 President Thomas
Jefferson signed legislation establishing West Point as a military academy
for the U.S.
Over the last 200 years, the cadets attending the United
States Military Academy have come from every corner of America, from
every political persuasion, economic circumstance, ethnic background, and
genders. No matter their personal histories before arriving on the banks of
the Hudson, they share the West
Point experience and inherit its grand legacy. 120 minutes.
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