Customer Reviews

Chaining the Hudson: The Fight for the River in the American Revolution

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Hudson Valley historian Lincoln Diamant presents Chaining The Hudson: The Fight For The River In The American Revolution, a fascinating history and narration of the naval battles of the American Revolutionary War that were fought along the Hudson River. Especially focussing upon the incredible five-year blockade of the Royal Navy, and grounded firmly in the logs, diaries, personal letters, and other rare historical documents and primary sources, Chaining The Hudson is a vivid account of a standoff that made history, which practically transports the reader to see history in the making. Informative and highly recommended reading.

The main title "Chaining the Hudson" is a bit incomplete but the subtitle "The Fight for the River in the American Revolution" is right-on. I live and often sight-see in the Hudson Valley, in particular sights associated with the American Revbolution. The importance of the Hudson River during the war cannot be overestimated. Infact, it's the star of this book. Lincoln Diamant has done a superlative job of covering this subject. But it's not just about chains. Take, for example, the chapter on Bushnell's "Turtle," the first military submarine. Or the chapter about the efforts to block the Hudson with fire ships and chevaux de frise. The West Point chain wasn't the first time the rebels tried to chain the Hudson and the author includes the history of the entire effort to chain the Hudson at various points. Diamant knows his subject well and the book is diligently researched and an entertaining read. Ironically, the chain successfully put in place from West Point to Constitution Island was never tested by the British as Clinton was bottled up in New York City. The book ends with a chapter on the hoax that developed around the links to the chain after it was dismantled. As an historical relic, a link would be very valuable. Diamant takes you along the path as to which links were real and which were fake or mistakenly thought to be the real deal. A highly informative and entertaining read of an unsual history.

Very interesting historical account. Learned alot not only about the chain, but the Revolutionary War and the part the Hudson Valley played in it.