Brehna in Sandersdorf-Brehna in Anhalt-Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany — Central Europe
“Schmidt-Mühle” (Bockwindmühle)
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“Schmidt Mill” (Post Windmill)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2025
1. “Schmidt-Mühle” (Bockwindmühle) / “Schmidt Mill” (Post Windmill) Marker
Denkmalgeschütztes Gebäude
Der Mühlenstandort ist seit dem 16. Jahrhundert nachgewiesen. 1759 erwarb Johann August Schmidt die Mühle. 226 Jahre blieb sie im Eigentum der Familie Schmidt. Sechs Generationen von „Schmidt- Müllern“ betrieben sie. 1985 erwarb die Stadt Brehna die Mühle und sicherte ihren Erhalt.
Die Mühle wurde mehrfach saniert. Mehrere Inschriften belegen Arbeiten im 19. Jahrhundert. Aus der Zeit um 1920 stammt der Sauggasmoter, der unter der Mühle steht. Derartige Motoren wurden ab etwa 1900 in Mühlen als Energiequelle eingesetzt. Später kamen zunehmend Motoren zum Einsatz und lösten die Windkraft nach und nach als Antriebskraft ab.
Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts setzte ein allgemeines „Windmühlensterben“ ein. Walter Schmidt, der letzte Müller der „Schmidt-Mühle“, hat noch bis zu seinem Tod 1976 für die Bauern aus Brehna und Umgebung gemahlen und geschrotet. 1985 übernahm die Stadt Brehna die „Schmidt-Mühle“ und restaurierte sie. 2009/2010 wurde die Mühle erneut umfassend saniert.
Seit 2013 besteht eine Patenschaft zwischen der Stadt Sandersdorf-Brehna und dem Heimat- und Geschichtsverein Brehna, der die Mühle zum Mühlentag, zum „Tag des offenen Denkmals“ und auf
this page online
"Schmidt Mill" (Post Windmill)
Listed Building
The mill site has been documented since the 16th century. Johann August Schmidt acquired the mill in 1759. It remained in the Schmidt family's possession for 226 years. Six generations of "Schmidt millers" operated it. In 1985, the town of Brehna acquired the mill and ensured its preservation.
The mill has been renovated several times. Several inscriptions attest to work carried out in the 19th century. The suction gas engine located beneath the mill dates from around 1920. Such engines were used as a power source in mills from around 1900. Later, motors were increasingly used, gradually replacing wind power as the driving force.
In the mid-20th century, a general decline in windmills began. Walter Schmidt, the last miller of the "Schmidt Mill," continued to mill and grist for the farmers of Brehna and the surrounding area until his death in 1976. In 1985, the town of Brehna took over the "Schmidt Mill" and restored it. The mill was extensively renovated again in 2009/2010.
Since 2013, the town of Sandersdorf-Brehna has sponsored the mill with the Heimat- und Geschichtsverein Brehna ("Brehna Local History and Heritage Society"), which
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2025
2. “Schmidt Mill” (Post Windmill) Marker - wide view
Located at the back of the mill
Erected 2020 by Heimat- und Geschichtsverein Brehna e.V.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Windmills series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1759.
Location. 51° 33.709′ N, 12° 12.714′ E. Marker is in Sandersdorf-Brehna, Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), in Anhalt-Bitterfeld. It is in Brehna. It is at the intersection of Am Schützenplatz and Bitterfelderstraße, in the median on Am Schützenplatz. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Am Schützenplatz 4, Sandersdorf-Brehna ST 06796, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Germany. Globally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Holy Roman Empire and also the former East Germany.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Neues Rathaus (ehemaliges Gutshaus) / New Town Hall (former manor house) (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Altes Rathaus / Old Town Hall
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2025
3. “Schmidt-Mühle” (Bockwindmühle) / “Schmidt Mill” (Post Windmill)
Also see . . . Die Schmidt-Mühle zu Brehna (Stadt Sandersdorf-Brehna, in German). (Submitted on September 3, 2025.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 3, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
