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1801:

In March, Adams departs Washington without formally approving the military academy.

Thomas Jefferson becomes the third President of the United States and approves the establishment of a military academy at West Point.

In April, a superintendent is appointed and curriculum, faculty and facilities issues are addressed.

In July, the first cadets arrive at West Point, the site where Kosciuszko first designed and engineered the fortifications in the Revolutionary War.

In September, classes commence.

1800:

In June, Kosciuszko and Pawlikowski publish an anonymous pamphlet in Paris entitled “Can the Poles Win Their Independence?”

Napoleon survives an assassination attempt on Christmas Eve.

Vice President Jefferson asks Kosciuszko to live in America and secures 500 acres for him.

1802:

Kosciuszko’s manual on artillery warfare for the American Army is one of the first textbooks used at West Point.

In March, Congress passes the Military Peace Establishment Act of 1802 confirming the official establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

In early summer, Joseph Swift, who would later become the first graduate of West Point, Chief Engineer of the Army, and eventually Superintendent at West Point, completes the first restoration of Kosciuszko’s Garden:

“ Early in this summer of 1802 Lieutenant Macomb and myself repaired the dilapidated garden of Kosciuszko, re-laid the stone stairway to the dell, and opened the little fountain at the base of ‘Kosciuszko’s Rock’ in the garden; planted flowers and vines and constructed several seats, which made the spot a pleasant resort for a reading party.”

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The bowl to receive water from the fountain is placed in the garden in 1802 according to Benson Lossing in his Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution.

In October, the first class of cadets graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point including Joseph Gardner Swift, Simon Levy and Walter Armistead.