Moriarty Eclipse Windmill, Late 19th-century windmill in New Mexico, United States
The Moriarty Eclipse Windmill is a wooden and metal structure with mechanical components designed to pump water from underground sources. The structure displays the gearing and pumping mechanisms typical of 19th-century irrigation systems.
The windmill was built in 1890 as settlers began converting New Mexico's high plains into irrigated farmland. It represents a key technology during the settlement phase of the American Southwest.
The windmill shows how local farmers pumped water from deep wells to irrigate their fields. It stands as evidence of the technologies that made settlement and farming possible in this dry region.
The site sits in an agricultural area and is accessible on foot or by car. The best way to explore is viewing the structure from outside and observing the wheels and pumping mechanism.
The mechanism follows the Eclipse design, a type that was widespread in the era and notably robust, working reliably for decades. Many of these windpumps have disappeared, making this remnant a rare witness to early irrigation engineering.
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