USACE New England District team conducts archaeological survey at historic West Point Military Academy

Courtesy Photo | The archeological team sent to conduct a survey for archeological items pose for a picture after finishing their work at the U.S. Army Garrison at West Point, Sept. 3.  

WEST POINT, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

09.17.2026

Story by AnnMarie Harvie 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District

WEST POINT, N.Y. - Archaeologists Kailey McLaughlin and Nathan Dubinin and Environmental Specialist Nicholas Warner of the New England District recently partnered with New York District colleagues to conduct an archaeological survey at the historic U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) at West Point, New York, on Sept. 3.

The eight-member team conducted the survey to identify any potential archaeological resources within a proposed construction laydown area before development began.

“If the survey uncovered artifacts, we would clean, photograph and document them as part of our report preparation for West Point,” said McLaughlin. “If these artifacts were determined to be significant enough to constitute an archeological site, then we would conduct further investigation.”

Following a brief safety and training presentation, the group headed to the excavation site and paired up to excavate a series of shovel test pits.

“We worked in pairs,” Warner said. “One person was digging and one was sifting through the large particles on the screen to look for artifacts.”

The team excavated nearly 25 shovel test pits ranging from 1 to 3 feet deep. The entire operation took about 4-1/2 hours. Ultimately, only a few minor, insignificant items were uncovered, and the site was cleared for development as a new contractor laydown area for equipment storage.

Established as the oldest continuously occupied military post in the United States, West Point shares a deep history with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. When Congress established the Corps in 1802, it charged the agency with founding and operating the military academy.

Today, the New England District continues that legacy by managing major military construction and modernization projects across the campus.

Archaeological stewardship remains vital to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ mission. By ensuring legal compliance, protecting cultural heritage during public works projects, and fostering partnerships with Tribal Nations, USACE continues to preserve the history beneath the foundations of the nation's progress.

• Date Taken: 09.17.2026
• Date Posted: 09.17.2026 16:31
• Story ID: 575018
• Location: WEST POINT, NEW YORK, US