After 1777, two important threats placed West Point at the forefront of the war, but neither brought combat again to the area. In 1779 after a lull of a year, Sir Henry Clinton seized Stony Point from the Americans. Because the British seizure of Stony Point cut off the Patriot line of communications across the river and apparently threatened West Point, Washington reinforced the Highlands and subsequently decided to take the point back. To accomplish the task, Washington brought Baron Frederick von Steuben to West Point to train the light infantry which would be given the mission; he then entrusted the attack to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, one of his best combat commanders. Wayne seized Stony Point on 16 July 1779 with a night bayonet attack which has become a ,classic for students of the art of war. By destroying 2 British force, Wayne's attack gained wide acclaim in the fledgling nation, boosting Patriot morale and impressing many foreign observers.

More History of West Point

Introduction
1775: Constitution Island
1776: Twin Forts of the Popolopen
1777: Defeat in the Highlands
1778: Fortifications of West Point
1779: Stony Point
1780: Treason
1781-83: Yorktown to Peace
1802: US Military Academy