Mrs. Winfield Scott’s Garden Parties
In James S. Robbins book Last in Their Class: Custer, Pickett and the Goats of West Point, a fascinating look at the cult status of some of those cadets who graduated at the bottom of their classes, Robbins describes interesting events that took place in Kosciuszko’s Garden and Flirtation Walk during the 19th century:
A very important event in the history of social life at West Point occurred when the Superintendent extended the permitted area to include the old chain walk, the access path along the river shore that had been used during the Revolutionary period to maintain the massive chain across the Hudson that blocked passage by British warships. This pathway was quickly exploited by cadets and was soon known by the nickname “Flirtation Walk.” The walk extended along the riverbank from the wharf below the hotel south to a spot known as Kosciuszko’s Garden. Thaddeus Kosciuszko was a Polish officer who had designed West Point’s fortifications during the Revolution. His garden was a ledge on the side of the river bluffs, which he had used as a private retreat. Maria Scott, wife of General Winfield Scott, would hold parties in the garden for several dozen cadets at a time. The Scotts and their daughters were fixtures at West point in the summers, where the General would regale the cadets with tales of the war of 1812 and other adventures.
Some parties are still happen in the Garden, especially around graduation when “pinning” ceremonies are held there. Cadets who have a special affinity for Kosciuszko’s retreat will request this location on the afternoon of their graduation and it is moving to see them become lieutenants in the Garden.
Monday, March 10, 2014