De Mûnts, Polder windmill in Buitenpost, Netherlands.
De Mûnts is an eight-sided wooden windmill with stone foundations, thatched roof, and sails that extend nearly to ground level. It operates using an Archimedes screw that lifts water from the surrounding fields to manage water levels in the agricultural area.
This mill was originally built in 1871 at a different location for a drainage project and later moved to its current home. It was reconstructed in its present location between 1958 and 1959, becoming part of the local landscape.
This mill stands as a protected monument reflecting how Dutch communities relied on wind power to control water in their fields for generations. It represents a tradition deeply rooted in the practical needs of people who lived on vulnerable land.
The mill sits in a flat agricultural area that is best explored on foot or by bicycle. You can approach the structure closely and observe its construction from the outside, with paths running through the open landscape nearby.
During maintenance work in 1985, the mill's damaged wooden central pole was replaced with an iron structure to improve stability. This upgrade allowed it to continue functioning reliably in its role as a working water management system.
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