The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is one of America's oldest and most revered institutions. Since its founding in 1802 it has prepared young men--and recently, young women--for careers as officers in the army and for a lifetime of service to the nation. The distinguished record of Academy graduates in war and peace has earned West Point a reputation as one of the world's premier leader-development institutions.

West Point celebrated its bicentennial in 2002. In honor of the milestone, the USMA Department of History hosted a multi-disciplinary conference that provided an opportunity...