Historical Society To Presents Lecture On Revolutionary ‘Great Chain’

What has been preserved of the Great Chain is located at Trophy Point at West Point, N.Y. The display consists of 13 links of the chain, one swivel, and one clevis. The signature “S Curve” of the Hudson, which made West Point so defensible, is in the background. | Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons/Timt1006

HARRINGTON PARK, N.J.—To stop the British invasion of the New England Colonies during the American Revolution, Peter Townsend manufactured a Great Chain at Sterling Forest for the Continental Army. The chain was placed across the Hudson River at West Point. 

Join the Harrington Park Historical Society and Doc Bayne on Monday, Feb. 3, at the Harrington Park Library, for an eye opening presentation on how he discovered the forge in Sterling Forest that made the chain. Doc will share the history of the iron industry that started in 1736 in Sterling Forest and how the Sterling Forge was used to create the Great Chain that was placed across the Hudson.

Donald “Doc” Bayne has been interested in history since the age of 8.  After a long career with Minolta during which time he worked as a part time Forest Ranger for Sterling Forest State Park, Doc ultimately accepted the position of Environmental Educator and Historian for the Park.  Doc has acquired a vast knowledge of the forest, animals, Native Americans, and iron history.

In his position he planned and conducted history and nature hikes in both Sterling Forest and Bear Mountain State Parks. He has lectured on many aspects of the environment such as the iron history of New York State. Doc is a passionate researcher and educator with the ability to feel the history of the land and transmit it to the people.

The Harrington Park Library is located at 10 Herring St.  The presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. and a light reception will follow the lecture.  

For more information, call Gerri Gibney at (201) 768-2615.  The public is invited, and reservations are not required. You can also visit the Society at their web page, www.harringtonparkhistoricalsociety.com, or on Facebook.

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons/Timt1006