1908 Richard Rummell Bird's-Eye View of West Point Military Academy, New York

This is a scarce 1908 Richard Rummell view of the United States Military Academy at West Point in a brilliant full-color example. This view appeared during a concerted period of updates, expansions, and renovations to the campus, many guided by the landscape design firm Olmsted Brothers, headed by Frederick Law Olmsted's sons, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. (1870 - 1957) and John Charles Olmsted (1852 - 1920).

A Closer Look

The view looks roughly southwest on West Point from a high point over the Hudson River. The Plain and other fields dominate the foreground. In the background, we recognize The Cadet Chapel, rising over the rest of the Academy and, higher still, the ruins of Fort Putnam. To the left, on a nearby hill, is the old observatory. In the foreground are numerous recognizable buildings, including, at left, Lincoln Hall, Cullum Hall, and Thayer Hall. Many of the buildings on the right side of the view have since been torn down or replaced; however, we note the Battle Monument. Other items of note include a steam locomotive entering from the right and a large tent encampment at front center.

West Point Military Academy

The United States Military Academy at West Point has a storied history as one of the world's most prestigious institutions for military education. Established in 1802 by President Thomas Jefferson, West Point was envisioned as a center for training officers for the fledgling United States Army. Situated on the scenic Hudson River in New York, the Academy quickly became synonymous with excellence in leadership, academics, and military training. Over the centuries, West Point has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history, producing distinguished leaders such as Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Douglas MacArthur. Its rigorous curriculum blends academic study with military training, fostering a culture of discipline, integrity, and service. Today, West Point stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of the United States to educate and inspire the next generation of military leaders.

Rummell University Views

Rummell was an American landscape artist known for his drawings of American universities. At the turn of the century, Littig and Company commissioned Rummell to prepare watercolors of some of the nation's most prestigious colleges. From these watercolors, copperplates were engraved, and a limited number of engravings were issued. Most of Rummell's university views are strikingly similar in style, revealing the entire campus in panoramic splendor. The views are uniformly issued from an altitude of about 300 feet, suggesting the Rummell most likely worked from a balloon.

Publication History and Census

This view was drawn by Richard Rummell sometime before 1908. It was commissioned and printed by Littig Company of New York. This view is one of the scarcer Rummell views.