What is a chain?
The chain is a unit of length measurement commonly used in surveying and land measurement. It is primarily used in countries that follow the imperial system of measurement, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. One chain is equal to 66 feet or 20.1168 meters. It is further divided into 100 links, with each link measuring 0.66 feet or 7.92 inches.
The chain was historically used for measuring large areas of land, such as farms or estates. Surveyors would use chains to measure distances between points and establish boundaries. The use of chains allowed for more accurate measurements compared to other methods available at the time. Today, the chain is still used in some specialized fields, such as civil engineering and land surveying, although it has been largely replaced by more modern and precise measurement tools like GPS.
What is a US league?
A US league is a unit of measurement used in the United States to represent a distance. It is primarily used in historical contexts and is equivalent to three miles or 15,840 feet. The term "league" originated from the Latin word "leuca," which referred to a distance that could be covered in an hour's walk.
In the past, leagues were commonly used to measure distances between towns or to describe the length of a journey. They were particularly useful in determining the distance covered by a ship at sea. However, with the advent of more precise and standardized units of measurement, such as the mile and kilometer, the use of leagues has become less common in modern times.