Surveyor's Chain

The Surveyor's Chain is a historical measuring tool used in land surveying to accurately measure distances. It consists of a flexible metal or fabric chain divided into uniform links, traditionally 66 feet long when completed. Surveyors stretched the chain between two points to determine the distance accurately, often using toise (large yards) or links (smaller units) for precise measurement. This method was widely used before modern tape measures and electronic devices, enabling detailed mapping and land division. Despite being largely replaced today, the Surveyor's Chain remains a fundamental concept in understanding land measurement history.