It overlooks the Hudson River, and served as a burial ground for Continental Army soldiers during the American Revolutionary War, and for early West Point residents prior to its designation as a military cemetery in 1817.

Northwest of the cadet area, it was known as "German Flats" before its formal designation as the official cemetery in 1817.

[2] Until that time several small burial plots scattered in mid-post also served as places of interment.

The graves from these plots and the remains subsequently found during building excavations were removed to the new site.

An improved road to the cemetery was constructed in 1840, and the caretaker's cottage was erected in 1872.