Article by Phoenix writer Mary O’Brien ’27:
From Washington’s Headquarters to West Point Academy: On October 18th, the class of 2026 made their own trip down the Hudson on an academic journey to broaden their knowledge of American History.
Leaving Kellenberg at 6:15, the 42 sleepy juniors made their first stop at the Washington Headquarters, located in Newburgh.
They were greeted by a woman dressed in colonial attire who gave a living tour of the house Washington and his army stayed at. Almost everything inside the home had been historically reproduced, including Washington’s office. The reproduction was so detailed that there were even differently sized coins lying around in the office to represent the different currencies of the colonies. Throughout the house were also realistic weapons, bullets, kitchen essentials, and even a chair that Washington used to carry around with him.
Additionally, the students received a visual presentation of what Washington’s guards would have worn every day. How visual? A student volunteer was brought to the front of the room and dressed, layer by layer, with the myriad of articles of clothing a colonial soldier would have donned. This included the weapons, the canteens, the satchels, and all other necessities that were burdensome but necessary in the life of an eighteenth-century soldier.
After enjoying the beautiful view of the Hudson that Washington’s Headquarters overlooks, the students boarded the bus and headed to West Point Military Academy for a tour of the campus. This included a visit to one of the campus’s chapels, boasting the biggest organ in the world. The students also received a tour of the West Point graveyard, the resting place of many famous soldiers and generals.
Finally, they stopped for another million-dollar view of the Hudson River.
Junior Brooke Oldenborg commented, “It was truly an amazing experience being able to witness American History all around us.”
This excursion successfully expanded the understanding and love of history for these students. We thank all the teachers and moderators who made this trip possible.
