Statement of Significance (as of designation - November 13, 1966):
Built ca. 1800, this 130 acre Landmark is one of the nation's oldest and most important shipyards. It contained the first naval dry dock in New England, pioneered the construction of ship houses that allowed vessels to be built in any weather, developed the die-lock chain, and manufactured all of the Navy's rope for over a century and a half. The latter two developments occurred in the exceptionally significant buildings known as the Chain Forge and the Ropewalk, respectively. As the site of the invention of the die-lock chain, the Chain Forge represents the vital role this building played in innovative design and production for the modern navy and for foundry technology. The Ropewalk was designed by noted American architect Alexander Parris and is America's only surviving ropewalk not significantly altered or moved from its original site. When the Shipyard closed in 1974, a portion of the yard became Boston National Historical Park. The remaining 96 acres were conveyed to the City of Boston: 50 acres were purchased by the City and a total of 46 acres were transferred to the City at no cost (16 acres as a park and 30 acres, containing the Chain Forge and the Ropewalk, as historic surplus property).

Condition:
The site is threatened by deterioration.

The City of Boston has requested expressions of interest in the development of the Chain Forge.