West Point United States Military Academy. Pamphlet.

1880. Wraps. Scarce post Civil War era visitors' guide to the famed Academy, "for sale on Hudson River day boats and at the West Point Confectionery", with rear wrapper advertising excursions to West Point by New York and Albany Day Line Steamers.

The guide includes a map with a detailed 'legend' of the site, also precise directions and times of various walks and distances between monuments and buildings and gives additional hints as to Massey and Delightful Excursions..." which could be taken from the Point or Highland Falls. Illustrations include a nice frontispiece wood cut of the Goodsell Bros. Cozzens' West Point Hotel and tells of its amenities. Nearly every page illustrated with a view, West Point architectural works or historical portrait; the back cover advertises Maillard's Chocolates and Cocoas and Excursions via the New York and Albany Day Line Steamers, including the Albany, C. Vibbard and the Daniel Drew.

The post Civil War era was a period in which the Academy worked to admit and integrate students from former Confederate states, and to admit African Americans. The first African American student graduated in 1877 (Henry Flipper of Georgia). The curriculum focus shifted away from pure engineering to a broader range of subjects, and control of the Academy was transferred from the Corps of Engineers to the Secretary of War. The superintendent at this time was Major General John M. Schofield, who served with distinction in the Civil War.

Small 4to, 28pp, text in 2 columns. Original printed paper wrappers. Front wrapper slightly sunned at margins, rear wrapper with a few short closed tears at foredge. OCLC: 9879709 records 2 copies at USMA and the Huntington Library. Very good condition. Item #23353

Price: $325.00