Eastham, Massachusetts

Standing as a testament to Cape Cod's rich heritage, the Eastham Windmill is a cherished relic of a bygone era. It's Cape Cod's oldest windmill.

Location Added By:

Tom Riley (GoXplr Account)

About This Location

Standing as a testament to Cape Cod's rich heritage, the Eastham Windmill is a cherished relic of a bygone era. Cape Cod's oldest windmill, it has weathered the sands of time and holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Eastham, Massachusetts.

The story of this iconic windmill began in 1680 when it was crafted by Eastham resident Thomas Paine. Its initial home was in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where it began its journey as a quintessential piece of New England's history. However, the windmill's travels were far from over. In 1770, it found itself relocated to nearby Truro, and in 1793, it made its way to Eastham.

In 1808, the windmill reached its current abode, standing proudly near the Eastham Town Hall and the Eastham Public Library. Here, it became more than just a historic artifact; it became a symbol of the town's enduring spirit and its connection to the past.

Over the years, the Eastham Windmill has required maintenance and repairs to preserve its legacy. In 1996, a local Boy Scout took up the noble cause as part of his Eagle Project. He rallied the community, raising funds and providing labor to replace several sections of the fencing surrounding the windmill. Local businesses in Eastham generously contributed to support this endeavor, reinforcing the strong bond between the town and its iconic windmill.

The Eastham Windmill has played an integral role in the local community, especially among the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, serving as a symbol of tradition, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of Eastham. It is a centerpiece of the annual Eastham Windmill Weekend, a cherished local festival that has graced Eastham every year since 1977, celebrating the town's unique history and vibrant culture.

In 1999, the Eastham Windmill earned a distinguished honor as it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition underscores its significance not only to Eastham but to the broader historical narrative of Cape Cod. Designated as part of the Eastham Center Historic District, this windmill holds a special place in the annals of American history. The reference number assigned by the National Park Service is 99000560.

Visitors eager to witness this living relic of the past can conveniently park on both sides of Windmill Green, situated along Samoset Road and Depot Road. Finding parking is typically hassle-free, unless a local event is underway, allowing all who wish to pay homage to this remarkable piece of Cape Cod's heritage easy access to its timeless charm.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
2515 Mid-Cape Highway, Eastham, Massachusetts

GPS Coordinates:
41.830506, -69.974735
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
The windmill is located in Windmill Green right off the Mid-Cape Hwy (across from the Eastham Town Offices). There is parking located on both sides of Windmill Green on Samoset Road and Depot Road. Parking is typically easy to find unless an event is going on at the park.

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