Chatham in Barnstable County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Godfrey Windmill
This wind powered grist mill was built in 1797 by Colonel
Benjamin Godfrey on a hill by his home on Stage Harbor Road
Overlooking the Mill Pond, where it served the growing needs of
Chatham residents for corn meal, a staple among early settlers. The
Godfrey Windmill is an eight-sided smock type, wind powered grist
mill with four sails.
Ownership and Use of the Windmill
1797: Built and operated by Colonel Benjamin Godfrey
1819: Owned and operated by Christopher Taylor
1850: Cogged wooden wheel and double flanges replaced by iron
1869: Purchased by Oliver Eldridge
1874: Owned and operated by Zenas Nickerson
1908: Owned by Charles Hardy
1939: Purchased by Stuart Crocker
1956: Stuart Crocker donated the mill to the town and it was
moved to its present location
1978: Accepted by The Heritage Conservation and Recreation
Service for listing in the National Register of Historic Places
Erected by Town of Chatham.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.
Location. 41° 40.618′ N, 69° 57.545′ W. Marker is in Chatham, Massachusetts, in Barnstable County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of 125 Shattuck Place and Cross Street. The marker is located within Chase Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 125 Shattuck Place, Chatham MA 02633, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Josiah Mayo House (approx. ¼ mile away); History of Chatham (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named History of Chatham (approx. ¼ mile away); The Atwood School (approx. 0.3 miles away); In Memory of the Pioneers of Chatham (approx. 0.3 miles away); Chatham Civil War Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chatham’s Chimes (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chatham’s Twin Light (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 5, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.