This volume goes beyond military personalities to cover the first 100 years of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Pappas focuses on the institution itself-describing how the Academy was formed and who its early leaders were. He tells us of the central role of Jonathan Williams and Sylvanus Thayer in ensuring that West Point would become both a military academy and a quality engineering school, despite many problems in its early years. Emphasis is placed on descriptions of events found in letters and diaries of cadets, officers, and family members. Myths and legends about the Academy without any factual basis are thoroughly debunked. Pappas also recounts the development of the instructors, the curriculum, and the cadet; the importance of honor; the creation of a library; the role of discipline; daily exams and weekly academic reports; life in the barracks; Benny Haven's Tavern-these and many other vignettes of West Point are brought to life in an unparalleled writing style. This book is a must read for all military historians, buffs, West Point graduates, and veterans.

Foreword / General Edward C. Meyer ; Part 1. 1775-1802. The foundation is laid ; Part 2. 1802-1817. Struggle for survival -- Existence in name only -- Right man at the right time? -- Deliver your sword to the bearer ; Part 3. 1817-1828. The rebuilding begins -- Governed by the rules and articles of war -- Still in a state of progressive development -- Members of one brotherhood -- Living armory of the nation ; Part 4. 1829-1833. I have the honor to tender my resignation -- I believe it the best school in the world ; Part 5. 1833-1852. A firm hand is needed -- Preparing for the ultimate test -- We follow, close order, behind you ; Part 6. 1852-1865. The ante-bellum army -- When shall we meet again? -- Adhere to your purpose ; Part 7. 1865-1902. All institutions are imperfect and subject to the law of change -- Guard well your heritage ; Part 8. 1902. The corps and the corps and the corps ; Appendices. A: Superintendents, U. S. Military Academy -- B. Commandants of cadets -- C. Deans of the academic board -- D. The 1780 map of West Point: an unintentional historical hoax -- E. Comments on sources.