The Mexican–American War brought the Academy to prominence

The Mexican-American War catapulted the Academy to prominence as the graduates proved themselves in the battle for the first time. Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, who subsequently served as the academy's directors and were future Civil War leaders, made their names in the combat in Mexico. Of the 523 alumni who enlisted in the military, 452 received promotions or other honors for their bravery.

As a sign of the end of the Old West Point era, the Academy underwent quick modernization in the 1850s. Newly built barracks offer improved heating and gas lighting, and modern weapons and tactics instruction includes new rifle and musket technology and complements advancements in steam engine-powered transportation displacement.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, West Point graduates were rapidly appointed to the ranks of general officers of the expanding Union and Confederate armies. Of these, 294 graduates served as general officers for the Union, and 151 served as Confederate general officers. Nearly all of the notable generals of either army in the Civil War were graduates of West Point, and one of them commanded forces on both sides of the army during 60 of the war's greatest battles.

In short, the United State Military Academy at West Point:

• rose to prominence after the Mexican-American War as the graduates proved themselves in battle.
• Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, academy directors respectively, made their names in the battle in Mexico.
• The Academy underwent rapid modernization in the 1850s.
• 294 graduates served as general officers for the Union, and 151 served as Confederate general officers.