One hundred and fifty-seven feet above the river, on a plateau, embracing about fifty acres of level ground, stands the UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, established by an Act of Congress in 1802. The approach to this plateau from the steam-ferry landing, is up a carriage road, excavated in the almost perpendicular rocky bank, conveying the visitor past the Riding-hall, the Cavalry stables, and the Library building, to the crest of the plain, where the natural beauty of the latter, and its wonderful adaptation for locating a great military educational institution, first excites admiration. The plateau, which affords ample space for all military evolutions appertaining to artillery, infantry, and cavalry, is bounded on the west by lofty and rugged hills, at the base of which are situated the various Academic buildings, the Cadet Barracks, and the residences of the officers and professors. Proceeding on to the West Point Hotel, an old fort is seen on the north-east angle of the plain, known as FORT ARNOLD, until the treason of the apostate became exposed, when the name, thenceforth unknown in American history, was changed to FORT CLINTON. From the Hotel, situated on the north side of the plain, the lake-like river view is unobstructed for nearly ten miles, and presents in its constantly varying aspect of sunlight and shadow on the rugged mountain sides, in its periods of storm and repose on the water, and in its ever changing variety of steamers and river craft, a scene which for boldness and beauty stands unrivalled even in America, and is elsewhere unknown throughout the world. The pencil of the artist, the skill of the photographer, and the depths of language, have striven to portray the exceeding loveliness of the vista presented from this spot, while tourists fresh from the Alpine beauties of Switzerland and the Rhine, from Italy, Scotland and Wales, and from the overland wilds of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, alike render homage to the glorious landscape here spread before them. Immediately to the north, and almost at the feet of the spectator, lies Constitution Island, with the exposed ruins of old Fort Constitution near the water's edge, and a little below which the end of the great chain was attached; while beyond may be seen the forge and furnace stacks of the Foundry, and the spires and dwellings in the village of Cold Spring. To the right, and farther up, Bull Hill and Breakneck Mountains, rise respectively 1,580 and 1,187 feet, the latter bearing Pollopel's Island, nearly opposite, while the city of Newburg, with the Shawangunk Mountain range for a background, fades away almost imperceptibly in the distance. On the left, the Crow Nest towers 1,428 feet above the water, with Washington's Valley nestling between it and the Cemetery. "Moore's House," from which the orders of Washington emanated in 1779, was situated in the valley bearing his name.