Windmill Hill Historic District — Attraction in Jamestown

An amazing peek into early mechanization of 18th century life in Jamestown (and other rural areas that dominated New England at the time). It will give you a greater appreciation into how difficult life was in most New England communities into the 20th century.

Windmill is open seasonally. 2019 hours are 1 to 4 pm, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from mid June through mid October, and by appointment. No charge. Self-guided tours are available for all three floors of the existing structure, with excellent signage, photos, and documentation. Check the Jamestown Historical Society website for up-to-date schedule details.

Historical Society volunteers are on hand to answer questions. Great views from outside and inside of the east and west passages of Narragansett Bay, the bridges, passing boats, and surrounding farms and open space.

The current windmill was built in 1787 and was in operation until 1896. It stands high on Windmill Hill in the center of the island. It is a three-story octagonal structure with a domed cap or bonnet. The bonnet holds the sails and can turn to capture the wind from any direction.

The original framework of the mill is made of hand-hewn chestnut timbers. The exterior is sheathed in cedar shingles.  The mill is maintained in working condition, and major renovations to repair damage from weather and insects were completed in 2000-2001.  A booklet, The Jamestown Windmill, available by download or in pamphlet form, describes the operation and history...

You can park on the lawn where the windmill is located. It is difficult to get back on to the road when leaving the grassy parking area. There is a poppy field exhibit that is interesting to look at, and there are displays that tell you the history of the windmill. It is sad that they do not provide tours of the inside of the mill that I know of. But it's still a cool place to visit since we don't have many windmills in the northeastern part of the United States. There is also another windmill in Middletown...

A great place to visit. The windmill was build in 1787 and ground corn for Jamestown farmers until 1896. The entire structure is open to the public and you can even take stairs up to the inside of the bonnet.

Unfortunately it is not handicap friendly inside. Also, it is only open in summer weekend afternoons. Admission is free though donations...