Jonathan Young Windmill — Attraction in Orleans

Jonathan Young Windmill must be one of the oldest if not the oldest windmill in the United States. It is believed to have been built in 1720 in South Orleans. The mill was moved in 1839 to the hill overlooking the Town Cove. In 1897 it was moved to Hyannisport. The mill operated and stayed in Hyannisport until 1983. The mill was dismantled piece by piece, restored and rebuilt in its present location by the the Orleans Historical Society and contributions from the community. This structure was completed in the mid-1980s. In Town Cove Park, the Jonathan Young Windmill proudly represents the town of Orleans history and exemplifies their respect for their cultural heritage.

During the summer months the windmill is open to the public and the resident miller will tell you how the mill functions and answer any question that you may have. The most unique aspect of the Jonathan Young Windmill is the presence of equipment and hand-hewn wood from its original...

I just happened to stop and look at the Jonathan Young Windmill and it was open to show a person from another country details about local and New England windmills. It was very informative regarding how the windmill works and ability to see firsthand the inner workings of the mill. The nuances of how fast the mill stone can turn to work right and how it is up high so that gravity feeds the end product back down to the first floor is a testament to Yankee ingenuity. With today’s trucks and hydraulics huge things can be built and moved. But this windmill has been around the cape and moved barge and carriages several times. Make sure you get the see the map of where this windmill has been over the years. It is located just of RT6 near the rotary so if the traffic is bad turn on to 28 and a quarter mile up you can see a view of how things were done in years past and enjoy a great relaxing view of Town Cove before you push on farther up the cape but a little...

This windmill was walking distance from our accommodations, so I'm glad I didn't travel far to see it. That said, it is a piece of history, on very lovely grounds so you will enjoy not only it but the view. Interesting to read the background on how it can to be where it sits today. Picnic tables are there and a bench down by the water. If I lived in the area it would be a beautiful place to come when wanting to read...