Henry Ossian Flipper (March 21, 1856 – April 26, 1940)
Henry Ossian Flipper, born into slavery in Thomasville,
Georgia, in 1856, became the first African American cadet
to graduate from the United States Military Academy at
West Point, New York on June 15, 1877 as a second
lieutenant in the United States Army.
Flipper was also an author who wrote about scientific
topics and his life experiences.
The United States Military Academy—the first military
school in America—was founded by Congress in 1802
for the purpose of educating and training young men in
the theory and practice of military science. Established
at West Point, New York, the U.S. Military Academy is
often simply known as West Point.
10th Regiment United States Cavalry insignia.
