Cadets, faculty and visitors at the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York, may stumble upon Kosciuszko’s Garden on the east bank of the Hudson River, but few know its rich history as the personal project of revered Polish general and engineers, Thaddeus Kosciuszko.
First constructed in 1778, the garden was Kosciuszko’s place of respite as he designed defenses and reinforcements around what would become the USMA. Records suggest that Kosciuszko brought baskets of soil to the site for plantings and installed a fountain and stone steps. In line with Picturesque style, his original vision was to create a garden resembling the background of a landscape painting, an idealized version of nature. Kosciuszko used the garden to write poetry, read, and reflect.
Over the years, the garden underwent several major changes, with changes to plantings and paving, but the original layout and function Kosciuszko designed remains. Despite the efforts of cadets, staff and volunteers to maintain the space, it became clear that the aging garden needed serious work to improve functionality while maintaining historic integrity.
USMA’s Cultural Resources manager brought in experts at Technical Center of Expertise for the Preservation of Historic Buildings and Structures (TCX), based out of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, to tackle this ambitious project.
“This project is special because it gives us a chance to help be caretakers and stewards of West Point Military Academy’s spectacular cultural landscape, said Lys Perhay, TCX program manager. “The garden in particular is special because it is the oldest Picturesque style garden in the United States, predating Monticello’s.”
The TCX is USACE’s technical lead and advisory center on matters of the historic built environment and responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act. Drawing from broad technical experience and educational credentials in historic preservation, the team provides services to the Army, Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
After completing a site plan, TCX staff identified several areas of improvement. Recommendations included improving the garden’s water management systems, mitigating erosion, cleaning fountains, and restoring views of the Hudson River.
“When we start a project, we identify the character-defining features, the historic components of the garden,” said Perhay. “We recommended a reintroduction of decorative native plantings to help with erosion of the hillside, but also because it would be in keeping with what Kosciuszko had access to at the time he was constructing the garden and would be in the spirit of Picturesque-style landscaping.”
Many of the TCX’s recommendations draw from the National Park Service’s standards, but their plan also includes recommendations for short and long-term maintenance. By combining historical knowledge with modern preservation and engineering techniques, the TCX ensures continued appreciation of Kosciuszko’s garden for years to come.
The TCX’s Historical Structure Report by Branden Gunn on Kosciuszko’s Garden will be released soon.