Southern Cross Windmill

Windmills were already in wide use in Europe by the 12th century and remained especially numerous in the Low Countries until steam power developed in the 18th century. In America, they became immensely popular in the 1890's, but rapid rural electrification during the 1930's eliminated most of them. Most surviving windmills are used to water livestock in remote areas, while others keep ponds full of fresh water, serve Amish farms, or stand as ornamental and business landmarks. This example has an 8-foot diameter wheel and rises 40 feet. It was made in South Africa by the Southern Cross Co., the world's oldest windmill manufacturer, and was erected at the end of the 20th century by Ken and Sharen O'Brock of North Benton, Ohio.

Ohio · United States