Supporter of the concept of the citizen soldier, he founded the first military college in America.
He proposed a school curriculum based on science and mathematics, but his ideas met widespread resistance from administrators.
His American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy later became Norwich University, the country's oldest private military school.
His adopted son George Colvocoresses led an exploration expedition to the Antarctic, and later commanded a ship during the Civil War.
He wanted to create a professional officer class, the opposite of previous military leaders like George Washington, who often came from successful families.