A Gunter’s chain, also known as a surveyor’s chain, is used to measure distances when surveying land. It allows plots of land to be accurately surveyed and plotted for legal and commercial purposes. The Gunter’s chain was invented in 1620 by English clergyman and mathematician Edmund Gunter (1581–1626). The chain was used by American surveyors from the colonial period through the early 20th century.
A Gunter's chain is 66 feet (4 poles) long and is made up of one hundred links, connected by two rings. A brass tally or tag marks every ten links.
A link in measurement includes a ring at each end and is 7.92 feet long.
A quarter chain is 25 links, measuring 16 feet 6 inches, or one rod. 10 chains equal one furlong, and 80 chains equal one statute mile. A measurement of 10 chains X 10 chains equals 1 square acre.
This chain came to the museum in 1981 from the South Dakota State University Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. One handle is marked 66 feet iron No. 8 (indicates the diameter of the iron.) The other handle is marked W. and E. L. Gurley, Troy, New York.
The Gurley Company was established in 1845 as Phelps and Gurley. In 1852, the company became W. and LE Gurley. Brothers William and Lewis E Gurley expanded the product line to include hydrologic, mechanical, electrical and scientific equipment. Teledyne Corporation purchased Gurley in 1968. In 1980 they ceased production of surveying equipment. In 1993, Teledyne sold Gurley and the company became Gurley Precision Instruments.