Sedgwick Monument (West Point)

Coordinates: 41°23′36″N 73°57′31″W / 41.3933°N 73.958493°W

Sedgwick Monument
United States
Sedgwick monument at West Point
For John Sedgwick
Unveiled	21 Oct 1868
Location	near Highland Falls, New York
Designed by	Launt Thompson

Sedgwick Monument is a memorial to Union General John Sedgwick at West Point. "Uncle John" Sedgwick was born in Cornwall, Connecticut, 67 miles northeast of West Point, New York. Sculpted by Launt Thompson and dedicated in 1868, the monument was erected by officers and soldiers of the 6th Army Corps to commemorate Major General Sedgwick and his death at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in 1864.^[1] Originally, the monument was located on the northwest edge of the Plain, it was later relocated to its current location at Trophy Point across Washington Road from Battle Monument.^[2] Legend holds that if a cadet is deficient in academics, the cadet should go to the monument at midnight the night before the term-end examination, in full dress, under arms, and spin the rowels on the monument’s spurs. With the resulting good luck, the cadet will pass the test.^[3]

References

1. Own, Our (1868-10-22). "Dedication of the Sedgwick Monument at West Point" (PDF). New York Times. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
2. Lange, Robie (1984). Historic Structures Inventory United States Military Academy West Point, NY Vol 2. Washington, DC: National Park Service. p. 18.
3. "Tour of West Point". United States Military Academy. Retrieved 2009-03-08.