The Great Chain

Even before the Revolutionary War, both the British and American forces recognized the importance of the Hudson River for troop and supply movements. In 1776, a New York delegate to the Continental Congress suggested placing chains in strategic locations along the river. That same year, the Continental Army created three obstacles across the river to snarl British maritime traffic on the Hudson.

In 1778, the Great Chain was forged over six weeks. The 65-ton chain was installed by the Americans across the river from West Point to Constitution Island at a precarious point that required expert maneuvering. Forged by Sterling Ironworks (owned by Peter Townsend), the chain was never breached by the British. After the war, the chain was removed and a portion preserved for historical purposes, including two links at the Austen House—home to famed Victorian-era photographer Alice Austen, the great-granddaughter of Peter Townsend.

The Great Chain links remained in the Austen family until the stock market crash of 1929. Austen lost her fortune and had no choice but to sell many of her prized possessions, including the links, to survive. For decades, the links were thought to be lost; however, they were recently rediscovered in the collections of Boscobel House in upstate New York.

With the support of an NEH Celebrate America! grant, the Alice Austen House is hosting The Great Chain. This special exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence features historic artifacts, public programs, and the return of the chain links on loan.

The exhibit runs through June 26, 2026, at the Alice Austen House in Staten Island, NY.