Discover the story behind the great chain that blocked the Hudson River and helped shape the American War of Independence.
This historical address, delivered at a seaside commemoration, explains how a single obstructive device became a pivotal symbol of resilience and strategic defense.
Framed around the unveiling of a tablet in Sterling Lake, the talk traces the planning, construction, and significance of river obstructions from 1775 to 1778. It weaves together military strategy, colonial governance, and the rise of Sterling’s iron industry, offering a clear view of how local industry and national history intertwined during the Revolution.
- See how early efforts to block the river evolved into a lasting defense across several sites, culminating in the West Point chain.
- Learn about Washington’s movements and the river’s central role in momentous campaigns.
- Explore the Sterling iron works and the Townsend family’s connection to early American industry.
- Glean context from contemporary documents, maps, and firsthand accounts cited in the address.
Ideal for readers interested in Revolutionary history, local New York heritage, and the origins of American iron making.