West Point, United States military reservation, the site of the United States Military Academy. West Point is located in Orange County, New York, on the western bank of the Hudson River, about 80 km (50 mi) north of New York City. It lies in a scenic area southeast of Storm King Mountain. The reservation, which covers about 6500 hectares (16,000 acres), also includes Constitution Island (about 1.2 km/0.72 mi wide), in the Hudson River.

Troops of the Continental Army occupied the area in January 1778 during the American Revolution. As the key to the defense of the Hudson River valley, it was strongly fortified by the Americans; an iron chain was laid across the river between West Point and Constitution Island to prevent British vessels from proceeding up the river. In 1780 the American commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, attempted to betray the post to the British, but his plan was upset by the capture of the British Major John André. West Point became U.S. government property in 1790, and the military academy was established there in 1802.

Reviewed by: United States Military Academy