For a good look at the lightweight chains that were used in surveying in the United States, see the following websites: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ncburke/landgrnt.htm#LISTING This RootsWeb, Burke County, NC, page, shows the following: Metes and Bounds - Units of Survey Measurements The use of chains to measure land (survey) was developed by Edmund Gunter in 1620 and was based on the English statute for measuring which was set in law that one "pole" equaled one "rod" - either term equaled 66 feet. Edmund Gunters chain was developed to make surveying easier. It consisted of 100 links which totaled 4 "poles," which equals 66 feet. 1 link of chain = 7.92 inches (.66 feet) 25 links of chain (1/4 of total) = 1 perch = 1 pole = 1 rod = 16.5 ft. 100 links = 1 chain = 4 poles or rods 1 chain = 66 feet 10 chains = 1 furlong = 660 feet = 40 poles 80 chains = 1 mile 1 square chain = 16 square poles 160 square poles = 1 acre A Smithsonian Museum picture: http://historywired.si.edu/enlarge.cfm?ID=48&ShowEnlargement=1 A heavier type of chain used to do a triangular survey of England is pictured on the following website: http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10280167 Katherine