West Point in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cadet Monument
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 27, 2009
1. Cadet Monument Marker
de France
alcole – sceur
des Etas – Unis
d Amerique
entres dans la lutte
pour la liberte du monde
le 6 Avril 1917
[English Translation]
The Polytechnique school of France thanks the United States of America for entering into the fight for liberty of the world April 6 1917.
Erected 1919 by Cadets of L'Ecole Polytechnique.
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1783.
Location. 41° 23.487′ N, 73° 57.53′ W. Marker is in West Point, New York, in Orange County. Marker is located at the U.S. Military Academy, in Central Area near Washington Hall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Point NY 10996, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Douglas MacArthur (about 400 feet away); Constitution Corner (about 400 feet away); Attack on Pearl Harbor (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Douglas MacArthur (about 500 feet away); The Corps (about 600 feet away); Superintendant's Quarters (about 700 feet away); Dwight David Eisenhower (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Point.
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. West Point Ties to École Polytechnique
The present day STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum at the United States Military Academy West Point evolved from the course of instruction introduced to the Academy under the superintendency of Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, Dartmouth class of 1807, and West Point class of 1808. During the War of 1812, Thayer designed the fortification and defense of Norfolk, Virginia, and was promoted to major. In 1815, he was provided $5,000 to travel to Europe, where he studied for two years at the French École Polytechnique and amassed a collection of French science and mathematics texts which were used to instruct the cadets at West Point, all of whom were required to learn French.
— Submitted December 13, 2023, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 27, 2009
2. Marechal Joffre
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 27, 2009
3. Marechal Foch
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 27, 2009
4. Cadet Monument
This monument was presented to the U.S. Military Academy in 1919 by cadets of the L'Ecole Polytechnique school in France as a tribute to the French Cadets who took part in the defense of France in 1814.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 27, 2009
5. Closeup of Cadet Monument
This monument has been referred to as the Cadet Monument, the French Monument, the "Gold Tooth" and the L'Ecole Polytechnique Monument.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 27, 2009
6. Cadet Monument Statue
The Cadet Monument was originally located on the Plain to the north, before being moved to its present location in the Central Area.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 27, 2009
7. Sculptor Mark
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 866 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 28, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
