The First Hudson Chain (site)

USA / New York / Fort Montgomery /
 historic landmark, historical layer / disappeared object
 Upload a photo
First attempt to block passage of British warships by stretching a wrought iron chain across the river from Fort Mongomery to Anthony's Rock. Thirty-five tons, 1,650 yards long. Winter ice broke it apart, but they re-attached it with the spring thaw. The chain was never put to the test of being rammed because the Brits captured Forts Mongomery and Clinton by attcking overland, by way of Bear Mountain, 6 October 1777. That night the Brits simply cut their way through the chain, and went burning and looting their way on up the river.
General Washington decided the chain had been a good idea but at the wrong place.
He ordered a new chain, heavier and stronger, to be placed further upriver at West Point.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_River_Chain
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   41°19'16"N   73°58'59"W
This article was last modified 8 years ago