History of West Point The United States Military Academy at West Point has played an outsized role in American history, as have its graduates. Contact the USMA historian History of West Point The United States Military Academy at West Point has played an outsized role in American history, as have its graduates. Contact the USMA historian Breadcrumb about history of west point Registrar (left) MENU Academy Leadership Developing Leaders of Character History of West Point Modernization Plan Accreditation & Assessment Visit the Academy Academic Calendar https://www.youtube.com/embed/htMOe7t5ioA?si=UuCSjaWNk1s_3nim A Brief History of West Point The United States Military Academy (USMA), established in 1802, is renowned for producing exceptional leaders. Situated in West Point, New York, the academy was initially founded by President Thomas Jefferson to train officers for the rapidly expanding army. Throughout its history, West Point has evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the nation's defense. USMA has consistently upheld its mission of educating, training, and inspiring cadets to become leaders of character, prepared to serve their country with honor and distinction.USMA’s rich history links its graduates as part of the Long Gray Line, and those graduates have played an integral part in the nation’s history. Read more about West Point history Notable Graduates Over 80,000 men and women have graduated from the U.S. Military Academy since its founding in 1802. Academy graduates have excelled in academia, business, science, and government, as well as the military. Seventy-seven have received the Medal of Honor; two (Grant and Eisenhower) were presidents of the United States, and many are senior Army leaders today. Learn more about notable graduates West Point Traditions Every college has its own culture and traditions. But, with more than 200 years of American and military history and West Point’s time-honored traditions, the U.S. Military Academy truly is like nowhere else. Learn more about West Point traditions Coat of Arms and Motto West Point’s coat of arms and motto, “Duty, Honor, Country,” were adopted in 1898 to reflect the academy’s national character, military role, and educational mission. Featuring symbols like a sword, Athena’s helmet, and the American eagle, the design embodies war, wisdom, peace, and patriotism. Since then, the coat of arms has become a lasting emblem of West Point’s ideals and tradition. Learn more about the coat of arms and motto History of Cadet Uniforms West Point cadet uniforms, rooted in the adoption of “cadet gray” in 1816, reflect both tradition and function. From full dress coats and overcoats to summer whites and gym attire, cadets have a uniform for nearly every occasion, symbolizing pride, discipline, and heritage. Learn more about the history of the cadet uniform USMA Colors and Color Guard West Point’s Colors symbolize tradition, unity, and heritage. First established in 1812, the Corps adopted flags reflecting its Army roots, later adding black, gold, and gray in 1899. Over time, significant flags—including Corps Colors, the Army flag, and the Bicentennial flag—were added. Today, the Color Guard carries the U.S., Army, and Academy Colors, honoring centuries of history and pride. Learn more about the USMA colors and color guard Visit the West Point Museum Since 1843, the mission of the West Point Museum has been to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret historically significant artifacts and stimulate interest in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Army, and the Profession of Arms. The West Point Museum also supplements academic, cultural, and military instruction and provides educational programs and services for cadets, the military, and civilian personnel.The museum features more than 60,000 Army historical artifacts that inspire and educate the U.S. Corps of Cadets daily. The holdings of the West Point Museum are displayed not only within the museum’s walls at Pershing Center, but throughout the U.S. Military Academy's buildings and grounds. Explore the West Point Museum Virtual History Tour Launch Experience Explore the history of West Point