Sylvanus Thayer-- Part 1: "The Father of West Point"

From Wikipedia.

June 9, 1785-September 7, 1872

Known as "The Father of West Point" for his work at the military academy in its early years.

Born in Braintree, Massachusetts.  Graduated from Dartmouth College in 1807 and then went to West Point and graduated with the Class of 1808, after just one year.  He superintended the construction of Fort Warren (later renamed Fort Winthrop) in Boston Harbor.

During the War of 1812 he directed the defense of Norfolk, Virginia and was promoted to major.  In 1815, he went to France to study their military and engineering.

--Brock-Perry