Colonial period, founding, and early years
The Continental Army first occupied West Point, New York, on 27 January 1778, and it is the oldest continuously operating Army post in the United States. Between 1778 and 1780, the

Academy leadership
The commanding officer at the USMA is the Superintendent, equivalent to the president or chancellor of a civilian university. In recent years,

West Point is a medium-sized, highly residential baccalaureate college, with a full-time, four-year undergraduate program that emphasizes

Since 1899, Army's mascot has officially been a mule because the animal symbolizes strength and perseverance. The academy's football

The academy is located approximately 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City on the western bank of the Hudson River. West Point, New York, is incorporated as a federal military reservation

Rank and organization
Cadets are not referred to as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Instead they are officially called fourth class, third class, second class, and first class cadets. Colloquially, freshmen are plebes, sophomores are yearlings

Due to West Point's age and its unique mission of producing Army officers, it has many time-honored traditions. The list below are some of the