United States Military Academy

Library

Does the school have a library on campus? – Yes
Is it a member of a library consortia? – Yes
Number of books, serial backfiles, and other material including government documents: 468,651
Number of current serial subscriptions: 1,100
Number of microforms: 1,200
Number of audiovisuals: 8,700
Number of ebooks: 49
Other library facilities: The USMA Library’s Special Collections and Archives include a large number of books published by and about West Point and the U.S. Military Academy, as well as the published writings of alumni. In addition to general histories, there are administrative reports, yearbooks, academic texts and commemorations of special events.

The USMA Library’s Special Collections and Archives include rich deposits of manuscript materials. In the Archives, there are unique Academy administrative and curricular materials, as well as cadet records. In Special Collections, there are unofficial papers of alumni and other individuals and entities associated with West Point and the Academy.

The U.S. Military Academy Library maintains extensive documentation of the history of West Point, the U.S. Military Academy, and Academy alumni in its Special Collections and Archives. These rich historical collections include extensive book, manuscript, and photograph holdings among other formats.

The USMA Library’s Special Collections and Archives include a large number of maps. Published and unpublished maps of West Point and its vicinity are well represented in the collections. Of particular note are manuscript maps of West Point produced by cadets as part of their course work.

Museums or other Special Academic Buildings on Campus: All visitors to the United States Military Academy are encouraged to tour the Museum to view what is considered to be the oldest and largest diversified public collection of miltaria in the Western Hemisphere.

The USMA Library’s Special Collections and Archives include vast photographic holdings focused on the history of West Point, the U.S. Military Academy, and Academy alumni. The Archives Collection includes the work of staff and contract photographers, while the Special Collections include donated and purchased photographs.

The Catholic Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity, designed by Heins and LaFarge, in the Norman Gothic style was built in 1899 and enlarged in 1959 under the direction of the noted Robert Robbins. This makes it the oldest house of worship of continuous use at the Academy.

The Cadet Chapel is a famous landmark and symbol of religious activities of the Military Academy and was designed by the renowned firm of Cram, Goodhue and Ferguson. Dedicated in 1910 and constructed of native granite, this building blends naturally into the surrounding landscape. The architecture combines the techniques and shapes of Gothic with the massiveness of medieval fortresses. This architectural theme subsequently dominated the other construction at West Point.

The Cadet Chapel organ (M.P. Moeller,) begun in 1911 and enlarged by memorial gifts is now the largest church organ in the world

The West Point Cemetery sits on a promontory once known as German Flats that overlooks the Hudson River and Constitution Island. There are more than 5,000 men and women buried here, among them, men who died in every American War from the Revolution to Vietnam. Revolutionary War soldiers and local residents were buried here for several years before it was officially named a military cemetery in 1817. An improved road to the cemetery was constructed in 1840, and the caretaker’s cottage was erected in 1872. Development and expansion of the grounds were made in 1890, 1900, and at various intervals to the present time. Internees include 16 Medal of Honor winners, 18 USMA Superintendents, noted sports heroes, wives and children, and many civilians and enlisted soldiers who made major contributions to the West Point community. Every gravestone has a story to tell – sometimes tragic, often inspirational – but all are threads in the fabric that has made the United States Military Academy the world famous institution it is today. The cemetery is the center of West Point, if not literally, than at least figuratively. It is a reference point and symbol for every graduate.

For more than 25 years, Eisenhower Hall Theatre at West Point has been the Hudson Valley’s premier home for the performing arts. The theater has hosted such luminaries as Bob Hope, Ethel Merman, Sarah Vaughn, Elton John, Billy Joel, Harry Belafonte, Bill Cosby, George Burns, Bob Dylan, Milton Berle, James Taylor and countless others. Its theatre credits include CATS, West Side Story, South Pacific, Camelot, Les Miserables, A Chorus Line, Annie, Evita, Starlight Express, The King and I, Sunset Boulevard and many more.

The massive (193,000 sq. ft.) red brick venue is situated on the West bank of the picturesque Hudson Highlands on the historic grounds of the United States Military Academy. The auditorium, with its two balconies, large main orchestra level, huge stage and impressive technical capabilities, is New York state’s second largest theatre, next to New York’s Radio City Music Hall. In addition to the 4,400-seat theatre, the building houses the 1929 Gallery, which presents a variety of art showings from Hudson Valley artists throughout the season. Exhibits in the gallery change monthly, and are open to the public free of charge.