The Hudson River Chain refers to two chains and two chevaux de frise constructed from 1776 to 1778 during the American Revolutionary War across the Hudson River as defenses to prevent British naval vessels from sailing upriver. These defenses along the Hudson River were overseen by the Highlands Department of the Continental Army. The most significant and successful was the Great Chain, constructed from West Point in 1778, and used through 1782 after the war's end. The huge links for the chains were forged at iron works in Orange County, New York.
Read more about Hudson River Chain: Background, Fort Washington's chevaux-de-frise (1776), Fort Montgomery Chain (1776-1777), Pollepel Island's Chevaux-de-frise (1776-1777), The Great Chain (1778-1782), Bibliography
Famous quotes containing the words hudson, river and/or chain:
“I’m so happy to be here. Instead of in a hotel full of tourists. Like me.”
—H.E. Bates, British screenwriter, and David Lean. Jane Hudson (Katherine Hepburn)
“Hard by the lilied Nile I saw
A duskish river dragon stretched along.
The brown habergeon of his limbs enamelled
With sanguine alamandines and rainy pearl:
And on his back there lay a young one sleeping,
No bigger than a mouse;”
—Thomas Lovell Beddoes (1803–1849)
“Oft, in the stilly night, Ere Slumber’s chain has bound me, Fond Memory brings the light Of other days around me.”
—Thomas Moore (1779–1852)