Godfrey Windmill (built 1797) — Attraction in Chatham

Built in 1796 by Colonel Benjamin Godfrey, the Chatham Windmill operated continuously for 100 years. Chatham Windmill had many owners and events during its existence, which are detailed in the subsequent list.

Chatham Windmill stands 30 feet tall. It has an octagonal diameter. This windmill has three floors. The top two floors were used for grinding corn and wheat. On the first floor there is an interesting corncob grinder.

Today the Chatham Windmill stands preserved in Chase Park. It has four arms and the shake exterior appears new in this photograph dated November 1989.

Chatham Windmill is an excellent example of historic preservation in Massachusetts. The mill is listed on the State Register of Historic Places and received a matching grant from the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund through the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Chatham Windmill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 30, 1978.

Chatham Windmill History of Owners and Events

1797 – Built by Colonel Benjamin Godfrey

1819 – Christopher Taylor inherited his Grand Uncle Godfrey’s Windmill.

1850 – Originally the shaft and gears were constructed of wood. In 1850, the cogged wooden wheel and double flanges were replaced with an iron gear.

1869 – Oliver Eldridge purchased the mill from Christopher Taylor

1874 – Zenas Nickerson and Sons purchased the windmill and operated a grain and grocery store.

1898 – Charles Hardy purchased the windmill but operated it for exhibition only.

1907 – Northwest gale broke shaft and arms which closed the mill.

1908 – Nelson Floyd of Winthrop bought the mill and adjoining land. The mill was not operated.

? – Charles Hardy bought and restored the mill, and operated it.

1929 – Severe storm damage closed the mill.

1939 – Stuart M. Crocker bought the mill, not functioning.

1956 – Stuart Crocker gave the windmill to Chatham Historical Society and it was moved from Stage Harbor Road to Rink Hill in Chase...

Great historic windmill/grist mill that has been fully restored and is set in motion to grind corn two times a year (on Saturdays during Chatham's History Weekend in June, and during the Festival of the Arts in August). I make a special trip to visit the mill on these days for the rare experience of seeing a historic windmill operate the way it did during the 18th and 19th centuries. The mill is also open for guided tours MWF during the summer months.

There is limited parking (this is only a concern in August during the Festival of the Arts), but the windmill is also a short walk from downtown Chatham. I would recommend a visit to this windmill to families, history buffs, those with and interest in engineering or architecture - and it is a "must-see" for mill...

Nice historic site to see when in Chatham, this was built around 1800. It's not every day that you see a windmill!

This is a cute little spot that's a mere 1/3 mile walk from main street. I had to walk here because there was some heavy duty road construction going on the day I visited. I'm really glad I took a stroll over because it gave me the opportunity to see some of Chatham's quaint homes.

It will only take you a few minutes to see the Windmill itself if it is closed. There are also a couple of benches to rest on.

There are tours available M,W,F from 11-3. Be sure to check the website for updated info...