Fortress on the Hudson

“The United States Military Academy, a sprawling stone fortification, looks down several hundred feet to the deep Hudson” (p. 35).

The Book

Sacred Ties: From West Point Brothers to Battlefield Rivals introduces the reader to six friends and their journey from the United States Military Academy at West Point to the Civil War. Three of the friends fought for the Union and three of the friends fought for the Confederacy.  While the overall focus of Sacred Ties is the Civil War, it begins with an introduction to the world of West Point. Students at West Point are referred to as cadets and their time is aimed at academics and military training. Tom Carhart does a good job of introducing the reader to life at West Point in the 1860s and pointing out the similarities to training at West Point today.

By following the battles of the Civil War, Carhart is able to follow the careers of each friend. A reader will only recognize one of the six friends: George Armstrong Custer; although the other five contributed significantly to their respective sides of the war. Carhart says, “The Civil War was probably the best demonstration of West Point’s central military role in America history, for in virtually all the major battles of that war both sides were commanded by West Point graduates” (p. 4). Throughout the book, Carhart points out other West Point graduates in addition to the six friends.

While the opening chapters regarding West Point are beneficial, the flow is challenging to follow in places. Carhart attempts to weave stories about the six friends in with training at West Point. It does not always flow as well as it could. Once the focus shifts to the Civil War, the flow improves. Overall, this book provides just enough detail not to overwhelm the reader. It includes lesser known battles and a fresh perspective on the Civil War.

The Place

The United States Military Academy at West Point is a unique place. A visitor feels like she is stepping into a castle fortress built to protect its inhabitants from invaders. The history of America runs deep and visitors can walk in the footsteps of Grant, Patton, MacArthur, Eisenhower, and Schwarzkopf. It is easy to imagine the generals of the Civil War at West Point because little has changed.

The best way to see West Point is to take a tour. West Point Tours, Inc provides guided tours daily and for groups. Some important highlights would be Trophy Point, the Old Cadet Chapel, the Cadet Chapel, and the Plain. Each of these plays a significant role in the history of West Point or the daily lives of each cadet. I would also recommend visiting the West Point Museum. Not only does it provide the history of West Point, but it is home to numerous United States Army artifacts and dioramas of historically significant battles. 

A visit to West Point is fascinating and educational. West Point is the intersection of the history and future of the United States Army. It is important to remember that West Point is a functioning United States Army post that requires visitors to pass through security before entering.