Chain Defense

“The importance of the Hudson River in the present Contest, and the necessity of defending it, are Subjects which have been so frequently and fully discussed, and are so well understood, that it is unnecessary to enlarge upon them” (George Washington, xiii).

The Book 

Chaining the Hudson by Lincoln Diamant highlights an important part of Revolutionary War history, one that can sometimes take second place to the well-known stories of Philadelphia and New York City. From the start, the leaders of the Revolution recognized the importance of defending the Hudson River, north of New York City. Without it, the northern colonies would be split in two and access to supplies would become extremely difficult. 

In 1775, the northern delegates to the Continental Congress emphasized the importance of protecting the Hudson River. The Hudson Highlands were originally identified as the best place for fortifications. The first attempt, Fort Constitution, was fraught with delays, poor design, and high cost. Fort Washington and two forts named Fort Lee were hastily constructed (George Washington had misgivings about their effectiveness) in 1776. They were joined by a chevaux-de-frise, “shallow-water obstructions […] to fill gaps in a line of hulks to be sunk across the Hudson River from Fort Washington to Fort Lee” (39). In July, two British warships defied these defenses and sailed up the Hudson with little difficulty. 

As the British took control of New York City, the leaders of the Revolution grew more concerned over the lack of defense for the Hudson River. In the spring and summer of 1776, Forts Montgomery and Clinton were completed to act as complementary defenses. An iron chain was placed across the Hudson in March 1777; it weighed 35 tons and was 1,650 feet long. The British attacked the two forts, by land, and filed through a link in the chain. However, by November 1777, the upper Hudson Valley was back in colonist hands. Military leaders decided that West Point (across from Fort Constitution) would be a better area of defense and a new chain was put in place in 1778. In August 1780, Benedict Arnold took command of West Point. He told the British of weak spots in the chain, but was caught before the British could attack. The West Point chain was never tested by an enemy vessel. 

When I first chose this book, I thought it might be more geared towards an academic audience. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it reads more like popular nonfiction. There are drawings, maps, and present-day photos interspersed throughout, helping the reader visualize. Diamant relies heavily on first-hand accounts, mostly from letters, to support the narrative. This is great, but sometimes the lengthy passages are difficult to follow. In Chaining the Hudson, the main characters are geography and strategy. Readers learn of troop movements, engagement, defense designs, and the significance of the area. The reader is periodically reminded of the simultaneous Revolutionary War events, to help ground them in the story. 

The Place 

Fort Montgomery is a lesser-known Revolutionary War locale, but still a worthwhile place to visit. On the northern edge of Bear Mountain State Park, it is surrounded by beautiful mountain and river views. The state park includes a small indoor museum, detailing the significance of the Fort to the defense of the Hudson. Outside are numerous cannons, original stone foundations and earthworks, and recreated structures. A brief walk downhill will bring visitors to Popolopen Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River. A pedestrian suspension bridge provides access to Fort Clinton and the rest of Bear Mountain State Park. 

It is a place that you might miss if you aren’t looking for it. A traffic circle can make it difficult to access if you aren’t familiar with them. My family got a bit turned around, but we eventually made it to the park. We spent a couple of hours there, which was plenty of time. A trip here could easily be combined with other sites in Bear Mountain State Park. Fort Montgomery is open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free and donations are welcomed.