Dutch Windmill (Golden Gate Park) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dutch Windmill |
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| Origin | |
| Mill location | Golden Gate Park |
| Coordinates | 37°46′15″N 122°30′34″W / 37.770732°N 122.509403°W |
| Operator(s) | San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department |
| Year built | 1903 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Water Pump |
| Type | Tower |
| No. of sails | 4 |
| Other information | 102 foot sail length |
The Dutch Windmill is a historic windmill. It is located on the western edge of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. It is the northern of two windmills in the park. The other one is the Murphy Windmill. This windmill was finished in 1903. It became a special San Francisco Designated Landmark on December 6, 1981.
Why Was the Windmill Built?
In the late 1800s, Golden Gate Park was created. It was built on sand dunes. This meant the park needed a lot of water. In 1902, the Park Commission decided to build two windmills. These windmills would pump water from underground. This was much cheaper than buying water. The Dutch Windmill was completed in 1903. It could pump 30,000 gallons of water every hour!
When the Windmill Stopped Working
By 1913, electric water pumps became common. They could pump water without wind. So, the windmills were no longer needed. The Dutch Windmill slowly fell into disrepair. By the 1950s, it looked very old and broken.
Bringing the Windmill Back to Life
In 1964, a group of citizens decided to help. They formed a special commission. Eleanor Rossi Crabtree led this group. Her father, Angelo Rossi, was a former mayor of San Francisco. Thanks to their efforts, the windmill was fixed up. It was fully restored in 1981. Next to the Dutch Mill, you can find the beautiful Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden.
