How a Chain Across a River Stopped the British Navy | Constitution Island

Visit https://strawberry.me/itshistory to start coaching with a $50 credit.

What if the fate of American independence hinged on a rocky island in the Hudson River? Constitution Island—just across from West Point—was once the site of a chaotic military experiment that nearly cost the Continental Army everything. From strategic blunders and stubborn engineers to high-stakes battles and legendary chains stretched across the river, this island saw it all.

But Constitution Island didn’t just survive—it evolved. After the gunpowder cleared, it became a sanctuary for 19th-century literature, home to the Warner sisters whose novels captivated a nation. Today, it’s a layered landmark of war, resilience, and cultural legacy. In this episode, we uncover how one overlooked island shaped America’s defense, its literature—and its soul.

#RevolutionaryWar #HudsonRiverHistory #ItsHistory

Support us on the Patreon 👉 https://patreon.com/RyanSocash

Support the Channel by becoming a member 👉 https://youtube.com/channel/UCzIZ8HrzDgc-pNQDUG6avBA/join

IT’S HISTORY - Weekly Tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NN2rktA4yMZ4vmNaA3KpsS5KXLj3xVN

» Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@ITSHISTORY?sub_confirmation=1
» Listen podcasts: https://ffm.bio/itshistory

» CONTACT
For brands, agencies, and sponsorships: [email protected]
Click here to book a sponsorship with me thoughtleaders.io/reserve/its-history

» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Brent Sapp
Editor - Karolina Szwata
Host - Ryan Socash
Music/Sound Design: Dave Daddario

» NOTICE
Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.