WEST POINT

Object/Artifact

-

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

WEST POINT

Entry/Object ID

L.2012.88

Description

George Washington identified West Point as a Hudson River landmark long before any structures were built at the site. Both sides in the American Revolution understood the strategic importance of the site, a plateau on the west bank of the river which offered a commanding view. Thaddeus Kosciuszko designed the first fortifications there, at the command of General Washington, who moved his headquarters to the site in 1778. The fortifications, batteries and the iron chain stretched across the river ensured West Point was never captured by the British. It is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America. The site and the fortifications shown in this view represent the Hudson Valley's role as the cradle of the America Revolution. The site is geographically distinctive and historically significant. Engraving of artist with easel on hill overlooking Hudson River valley and West Point; buildings of West Point at center left; river runs through center with steamboat and sailboats visible along it; train tracks cross water inlet at right; at bottom left, printed: "JAMES D. SMILLIE"; at bottom right, printed: "JAMES SMILLIE"; at bottom center, printed: "WEST POINT"; at bottom center, printed: "AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. N.Y.".

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

James Smillie

Attribution

Engraver

Artist

James David Smillie

Attribution

Artist

Date made

1850 - 1900

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall

Height

6-5/8 in

Width

9-13/16 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 6 5/8 x 9 13/16 in. (16.8 x 24.9 cm)

Material

Paper, ink

Condition

Notes

Remarks: Paper is browned at left, right, and top edges; fingerprint size stain at lower left; bottom paper edge is uneven with losses and glue residue where page was pulled from book; tissue paper (from book) still attached to page at bottom right edge; verso: green mark (crayon?) at top left.

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

William Diebold

Notes

Former owner

General Notes

Note Type

Curatorial Remarks

Note

This object was accessioned in 2012, but it was acquired earlier [Jessa J. Krick, 4/12/2012].

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Administrative Office, Archive Room, Shelf O3, B4

Note Type

Department

Note

Library