History of the windmill in America

Early history 

• The first windmills in America were likely English post mills built in colonial Virginia.
• Many windmills brought to the Northeast by the Dutch and English still stand in New England and New York.
• German immigrants built many of the custom grinding windmills in Illinois.

American windmill development 

• Halladay’s windmill was smaller, cheaper, and easier to build and ship than previous designs.
• It had sails held into the wind by a weight that slowed to reduce sail area when the wind was too strong.
• Wooden blades replaced traditional cloth sails.

Windmill use in the West

• Homesteaders and ranchers installed thousands of wind pumps as they settled the western United States. 
• The wind engine made it easier for pioneers to settle the western states.