Trophy Point Video
Celebrating Our Military and History at West Point
A Patriotic Thing To Do In The Hudson Valley
My wife and I have lived in the New Windsor/Cornwall Area for almost 20 years. Until we moved to Cornwall, we hadn’t been as close to the West Point military families previously, and therefore didn’t know about this amazing well kept secret. Trophy Point, a scenic overlook and natural amphitheater hosts each summer from early June to it’s Labor Day Celebration, a concert series called Music Under the Stars, ranging from jazz, country, rock, broadway and military music. The artists and musicians, themselves part of the military family, always keep the tradition alive with our servicemen and women, in uniform and entertaining the troops (and civilians alike).
Hudson Valley History
Trophy Point is nestled in the heart of West Point, NY. This attraction not only brings us music, and entertainment, but also allows us to explore the many era’s of military history right here from the Hudson Valley. A local access pass must be acquired from the West Point Visitor Center for visitors, which is located at the Main Gate and see the various areas that can be explored. Many statues and monuments fill the grounds of West Point, including the Battle Monument right in Trophy Point.
Trophy Point Highlights:
Battle Monument:
At the top of Trophy Point looking down over the crowd, stage, Constitution Island and the Hudson River is Battle Monument. One of the largest columns of granite anywhere in the world, this piece was designed by Stanford White and was dedicated on May 30th, 1897 by surviving Civil War Veterans. It stands 46 feet tall, 5 feet in diameter and is inscribed with the names of 2,230 Army Officers and Soldiers who died for the union during the Civil War.
Riverside Walk:
I also go for a hike on the trail along the river whenever I go to Trophy Point. Not only does it have some great natural views like the rock ledge on the trail, but also hidden wonders like the Hudson River Chain and Stone Steps and Bench along Flirtation Walk.
Music:
There is no shortage of music at Trophy Point, with performing musicians ranging from the West Point Concert Band, to the Hellcats, West Point Jazz Ensemble and the Benny Havens Band. Each concert has a theme or genre, ranging from military focused music (Like the Independence Day Celebration), to broadway (Sunset with a Soundtrack), country or rock (I Love Rock N’ Roll) music. the schedule is always posted here Concert Schedule.
Firework Finale:
Twice a year we also enjoy the fireworks overlooking the Hudson and Constitution Island. We arrive early, because those 2 days, the location is very busy. This year on Independence Day we ended up seeing another full show somewhere up river, before ours went off.
And you haven’t enjoyed fireworks until you’ve seen and heard them kicked off with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with real cannon fire kicking them off! This officially ends our summer during their Labor Day Celebration. Trophy Point is a place to enjoy and make memories with amazing views and entertainment.
In Closing...
My family and I have been going here for many years, and we’ve made it part of our family traditions. If you haven’t had a chance to go and see a concert (Always FREE by the way!), you owe it to yourself and your family to give it a try. The top area is wheelchair accessible and always provides a great view.
It never ceases to amaze me how many people are not aware that this is even offered. I hope you can give Trophy Point a visit, and if you can, make sure to check out this year’s Labor Day Celebration with food, fireworks and a day of patriotism!
