During the American Revolutionary War, the Hudson River was considered the most crucial waterway in the colonies. West Point (where the United States Military Academy now stands) quickly became a critical outpost and series of fortifications designed to prevent British ships from passing up the river and ensure American dominance of the Hudson. It was at this location that the American military implemented one of the most interesting defensive systems of the war: an iron chain that spanned across the river. Although the British Navy never attempted a run against the West Point chain, the fortification would be at the center of the most infamous act of treason in American history.
History
The Hudson River, which was known as the North River in the 18th century, was considered the most important waterway in the American colonies. Essentially, the British leadership believed if they could take complete control of the Hudson River, then they would divide the colonies in two: the rebellious New England colonies to the east and the middle & southern colonies to the west and south. By doing this, communication and the movement of rebel troops and supplies would be stopped (or at least, greatly hindered) and the war would come to a rapid conclusion. General George Washington and American leadership came to the same conclusion and sought to protect the river and key crossing points to ensure seamless communication and travel between the colonies.
In May 1775, Washington and other American leaders recommended to fortify key points along the Hudson River to prevent the British military from taking control of the vital waterway and on May 25, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved to establish fortifications in the Hudson Highlands. In June 1775, a reconnaissance mission determined that Martelaer’s Rock (renamed Constitution Island) should be fortified, because it commanded the only major bend in the river between Albany and New York City.
With the goal of preventing British naval vessels from sailing up and down the river, fortifications were constructed on Constitution Island from 1775 to 1776. The first fortification on the island was known as Roman’s Battery and by the end of 1776, Marine Battery, Hillcliff Battery, and Gravel Hill Battery were also under construction. From 1776-1777, the Americans strengthened their position in the region and fortified Bear Mountain (just south of West Point) and placed an iron chain across the Hudson River at that point, with the purpose of physically preventing British ships from sailing up the river. Unfortunately, the unfinished fortifications at Constitution Island were destroyed during a British excursion in 1777.
It wasn’t until 1778 when Polish military engineer Thaddeus Kosciusko was chosen to design fortifications for the “west point” of land that jutted out into the Hudson River, opposite of Constitution Island. In January 1778, American troops began to construct Fort Clinton, which was the first fortification at West Point. By April 1778, the “Great Chain” was strung across the Hudson River from West Point to just below Marine Battery on Constitution Island. This 600-yard long chain was made of iron links that were two feet long and weighed 114 pounds each (which made the entire chain approximately 65 tons!). In order to prevent the chain from sinking, “40-foot logs were cut into 16-foot sections, waterproofed, and joined by fours into rafts fastened with 12 foot timbers” (excerpt from the plaque at West Point). Each winter, the chain was removed from the river and stored on shore to avoid damage from ice. Today, a section of the original chain and boom is on display at Washington’s Headquarters at Newburgh, which was dredged from the river bottom in 1855.
By the autumn of 1778, West Point was considered one of the most crucial defensive positions in the Hudson Highlands and was key to the American war effort. In fact, it would be at the center of the most infamous act of treason in American history.
The origins of this betrayal lie with Continental General Benedict Arnold, who was wounded in the Battle of Saratoga in the fall of 1777. Due to his valiant efforts in battle and crippling wound, Arnold was placed in command of Philadelphia in June 1778 after the British evacuation. During this time, Arnold lived an extravagant lifestyle and worked to line his own pocketbook, violating numerous laws and regulations along the way. Unfortunately for Arnold, his actions raised suspicions in the city and he was eventually denounced by Pennsylvania’s Executive Council, who referred profiteering charges against Arnold to the Continental Congress. Arnold refuted these charges and demanded a court martial to clear his name, which was not an uncommon move at that time (Continental officers were seemingly obsessed with honor and rank and not unknown to demand a court martial or duel with a fellow officer). Arnold grew increasingly frustrated and angry with the Continental Congress and his fellow officers, which largely stemmed from his financial losses and physical sufferings during the war, being passed over for a Major Generalship in February 1777, and the recent accusations. Soon, his anger would manifest into treasonous acts.
In May 1779, Benedict Arnold began clandestine discussions with British General Henry Clinton in New York City. These discussions with the British and the divulgence of key American military details culminated in Arnold’s promise to hand over the crucial military post of West Point, in exchange for a British military commission and financial compensation. After a great deal of finesse and convincing, Benedict Arnold was given command of West Point, which he assumed on August 3, 1780. He communicated with British Major John André about the details of turning over West Point to the British and after a brief in-person meeting in American territory on September 21, 1780, a civilian-dress André set out on foot for the British lines outside New York. Thankfully, Major André was captured (and executed) and Arnold’s scheme was soon found out- West Point remained in American hands.
The British never attacked the fortifications nor did they attempt to run the chain at West Point during the war. Following the American Revolution, West Point continued its service as a military post. In 1802, the United States Military Academy was established at West Point in accordance with legislation signed by President Thomas Jefferson and still operates there today.
Interesting Facts
- Following the American Revolution, West Point maintained 160 artillery pieces for the nascent United States Army
- After his betrayal, Benedict Arnold went on to serve as a Brigadier General in the British Army and commanded the American Legion (comprised of colonial loyalists). In 1781, he fought against American forces in Virginia and then at New London, Connecticut
- Captain Sylvanus Thayer was appointed superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1817 and is considered the “Father of the Military Academy”
Our Visit & Recommendations
Visiting the United States Military Academy grounds at West Point offers a great opportunity to see some unique American history; however, it is only possible if you possess and military or Department of Defense (DoD) ID. If you are not able to visit, there are plenty of nearby historic sites that are open to the public, to include: Stony Point Battlefield, Fort Montgomery, Washington’s Headquarters at Newburgh, and the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Park. Of course, if you are able to visit, it is well worth the trip! While the entire campus is filled with history to be explored (to include Fort Putnam), the main section covered here is that of Trophy Point.
Trophy Point is a beautiful park located near the river and gets its name from the dozens of cannon and artillery pieces on display that have been captured (or surrendered) as trophies of war by the United States Army throughout conflicts in which America has fought. Trophy Point has areas dedicated to the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, American Civil War, and the Spanish-American War.
My favorite part of Trophy Point is the Revolutionary War section, which has some incredible pieces of history on display. There is a smoothbore bronze cannon, a bronze howitzer (cast in 1758) that was captured at the Battle of Saratoga, and the centerpiece: a section of the original West Point chain. Nearby is the Class of 1938 overlook, which offers a fantastic view of the Hudson River, Constitution Island, and where the Great Chain once spanned.
Being able to stand at the heights of West Point overlooking Constitution Island and the Hudson River was quite an experience, especially when you realize this was essentially the same view that George Washington and others had from the fortifications at West Point during the Revolutionary War. It is easy to see why this spot along the river was chosen to defend- a sailing ship would have a difficult time maneuvering the tricky “S” turn and shifting winds. Now add in a heavy iron chain in the river and artillery firing down upon a ship and then West Point and Constitution Island seem impassable (of course, the British never attempted to run West Point’s “great chain”). Thankfully, Benedict Arnold’s plan was foiled and he never got the opportunity to hand over West Point to the British; however, it remains one of the biggest “what ifs” in American history.
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