WEST POINT, N.Y. – The one-cubic-foot lead time capsule from 1828 opened by the U.S. Military Academy’s archeologist team during a ceremony on Monday contained six American silver coins and a commemorative medal.  

The historic artifacts were discovered in the sediment of a nearly 200-year-old time capsule found in the Thaddeus Kosciuszko monument's base during recent renovations.

Six coins and a medal were embedded within the matrix, dating from 1795 to 1828 include:

•                 Liberty dollar coin, 1800, 1.564 inches in diameter
•                 50-cent coin, 1828, 1.276 inches in diameter
•                 25-cent coin, 1818, 1.066 inches diameter
•                 10-cent coin, 1827, 0.745 inches in diameter
•                 5-cent coin, 1795, 0.643 inches in diameter
•                 1-cent coin, 1827, 1.114 inches in diameter
•                 Erie Canal commemorative medal 1826, 1.763 inches in diameter

During Monday’s live event, the U.S. Military Academy’s Dean of the Academic Board Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves articulated. 

“This is an incredible story that involves so many of West Point’s heroes and many of them are the Army’s and our nation’s heroes. We should reflect upon and be inspired by our history to pause and realize we have the immense honor and responsibility to continue the legacy that Kosciusko started, and that West Point continues to live up to his vision from so long ago,” he said. “There is no better opportunity to take a moment and be inspired by our Army and academy’s connection through time that is represented by that capsule and one of our nation’s true heroes.”

The historical preservation process will continue, and updates will be provided when new information is available.

To see photos of the recent artifacts, please visit Kosciuszko Monument Time Capsule | Flickr.

About West Point:

The U. S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal, liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering and continues today as the world's premier leader-development institution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission remains constant-to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U. S. Army. For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu.

About Thaddeus Kosciuszko:

Andrzej Tadeusz Bonaventura Kosciuszko (1746-1817), more commonly known as Thaddeus Kościuszko, was a Polish general, military engineer, and revolutionary. He fought in the American Revolutionary War, as well as an uprising in his home country. He was known for his bravery, kindness, patriotism, likeability, and unwavering strength of character.