Chain Link
MakerMade at
Sterling Iron Works
(American)
Date1778
MediumIron
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x average depth x weight): 30 × 10 × 2 1/2in., 130lb. (76.2 × 25.4 × 6.4cm, 59kg)
ClassificationsEquipment
Credit LineGift of Samuel Bowles
Object number1841.28.0
DescriptionForged iron link used in larger chain placed across the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War. The link is a long oval, and slightly warped, or twisted in shape, not allowing it to lay completely flat.
Label TextThis link was forged as part of the great chain across the Hudson River, put in place in 1778 to prevent the Royal Navy from passing the strategic West Point position held by Continental forces. Much iron was said to have come from Connecticut, but the final forging was done in New York at the Sterling Ironworks, owned by Noble, Townsend & Co. of Chester, New York. The chain was 1,700 feet long, and said to have weight about 39 tons. Only a few links of the chain are known to still be in existence.
Status
Not on view
