West Point was established in 1802 as the United States Military Academy to train engineers and artillery officers and reduce America's reliance on foreign military expertise, especially during times of war. It is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America. Many of the key generals on both sides of the Civil War were graduates of West Point, including Union General Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. West Point played an important role in providing leadership for both armies during the Civil War.