June 15: Henry Ossian Flipper
On this date in 1877, Henry Flipper became the first African-American to graduate from West Point.
Henry Flipper Banner
Use this banner on social media to share our audiobook of Henry Flipper’s autobiographical novel.
Portrait of Henry Flipper
Photomontage of Henry Flipper and West Point created by FCIT using historic photographs.
Listen to "The Colored Cadet at West Point " on Lit2Go
The Colored Cadet at West Point is an autobiographical novel detailing the events leading up to Henry O. Flipper’s groundbreaking appointment to the West Point Military Academy, and his active service in the U.S. Army that followed graduation. From the Lit2Go website.
West Point Academic Buildings
A drawing of the academic buildings of West Point, the United Stated Military Academy from the ClipArt ETC website.
Map: The Hudson River – Newburg to New York
Map of the Hudson River showing the location of West Point in New York from the Maps ETC website.
Plan of West Point, 1780
Early plan of West Point. The location was chosen as a military post by George Washington for its strategic importance. The Military Academy was established there in 1802. It is the nation’s oldest service academy. From the Maps ETC website.
West Point Cadets Marching to Dinner
West Point cadets marching to dinner about a decade after Henry Flipper graduated from the Academy.