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Far below the Parade Grounds,
down beneath Trophy Point, just down the road from
the gym are the West Point Docks. Built to moor visiting
ships, the docks now serve more as a fishing destination
and sightseeing spot than as a moorage.
To get to the docks, just
head downhill north of Trophy Point, sort of in the
direction of Eisenhower Hall, keep going down and
you will find yourself at riverside. Follow the road
around to the point and pull off.
The view from the docks
is the same as from Trophy Point, only down at river
level. From here you can see straight north up the
river, past Storm King Mountain on the left, up through
the North Gate of the Hudson Highlands, up to Newburgh.
Across the river is Constitution Island with Cold
Spring tucked behind it. Down river on the right is
the point, around which all vessels must maneuver.
It's this point, and the
immediate ninety degree turn to the north that makes
West Point so strategic on the Hudson River. And why
Washington ordered it to be held at all costs. And
why Benedict Arnold found the British so eager to
assist him in his treason. The Point commands all
traffic up and down the river, and the British sought
to split the colonies by seizing the Hudson.
Spend a few minutes and
head up the path out to the point itself. Down here
at river level, look back up at the heights of West
Point and see for yourself why it was the lynch pin
to winning the Revolution.
PUBLISHERS
NOTE: Since we took this image, West Point
has been put under heavy security and you can no longer
wander the post freely. Unfortunately, this means
you can no longer go down to the North Dock and see
this view. |
