Nebraska City in Otoe County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Kregel Windmill Factory

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 11, 2024

1. The Kregel Windmill Factory Marker

Inscription. Built in 1902, this is the last intact historical windmill factory in the United States. Cousins Louis and George Kregel began windmill production in 1879 across the street. After moving here, the company (now owned by George Kregel) produced Eli-brand windmills until 1941. Due to steel rationing at the onset of World War II, the factory became principally a retail and service center in the last decades of the company’s 112-year history. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected 2016 by Nebraska State Historical Society, Citizens of Nebraska City.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society, and the Windmills series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 40° 40.611′ N, 95° 51.824′ W. Marker is in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in Otoe County. It is on Central Avenue east of North 15th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1416 Central Ave, Nebraska City NE 68410, United

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States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: This "ELI" Windmill (a few steps from this marker); Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Dept. (about 400 feet away); To Commemorate Russell, Majors & Waddell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alexander Majors Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); Russell, Majors, & Waddell House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pioneer Masons of Nebraska Territory (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of the Overland Trail (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nebraska City.

Another marker is no longer nearby. This ELI Windmill (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another

The Kregel Wind Mill Factory Museum & Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 11, 2024

2. The Kregel Wind Mill Factory Museum & Marker

marker now near it).

Also see . . . Kregel Windmill Museum website - with history and photos. (Submitted on July 15, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

One of the Kregel Windmills - across street from factory. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 11, 2024

3. One of the Kregel Windmills - across street from factory.

Marker across street from this marker - describes the ELI Windmill. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 11, 2024

4. Marker across street from this marker - describes the ELI Windmill.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 15, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.