United States Military Academy established at West Point

Background. The Continental Army first occupied West Point, New York, on 27 January 1778, establishing it as the oldest continuously operating Army post in the United States. During the Quasi-War, Alexander Hamilton laid out plans for the establishment of a military academy at West Point and introduced "A Bill for Establishing a Military Academy" in the House of Representatives. In 1801, shortly after his inauguration, Thomas Jefferson directed that plans be set in motion to establish the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Legislative Authorization. Congress formally authorized the establishment and funding of the school with the Military Peace Establishment Act of 1802. President Thomas Jefferson signed this act on 16 March. The legislation aimed to organize and establish a Corps of Engineers stationed at West Point, which would constitute a military academy. This action re-established the Corps of Engineers, which had previously been combined with the artillery.

Opening and Early Operations. The academy officially commenced operations on 4 July 1802. It is recognized as the oldest of the five American service academies. The first official graduate, Joseph Gardner Swift, completed his studies in October 1802. Until 1866, the superintendent of the United States Military Academy was always an Engineer Officer, reflecting the institution's management by the Corps of Engineers.