The chain, developed by Edmund Gunter in the 17th century, quickly became the standard measuring device for colonial surveyors throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The full Gunter ‘s chain measured 66 feet (100 links of 7.92 inches each). Colonial surveyors often employed a half- length chain (33 feet), because it was easier to pull through the brush of the Virginia and Pennsylvania backcountry. To the current knowledge of the authors of this document, virtually all 18th century chains were constructed of steel with brass tallies (generally every 10 links).

To keep track of how many times the chain was used to measure a line, chaining pins would be pushed into the ground at the end of a chain run. Chaining pins (or arrows) were often made of wrought iron but were occasionally wooden. Red cloth was usually tied to the top of each pin.

Surveying crews would generally carry nine or 10 arrows. The important thing is that the party uses a consistent system to take note of the completion of a ten-chain run.

Chains other than Mr. Gunter‘s model were in use in the colonies, such as the Wing chain (66 feet long, but only 80 links), but they were not as popular as the Gunter‘s chain.