City: Cape Cod, MA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (508) 240-5900 (Town Hall)

Description: On the town green in Eastham is the oldest and most widely known of all the Cape Cod windmills. The Eastham Grist Mill was built in Plymouth in the 1680s, which means that the corn it ground most likely found its way into the mouths of the sons and daughters of Pilgrims. It was later moved to Truro during the end of the 18th century by floating it across Cape Cod Bay. In 1793 it was moved to Eastham and landed on its present site in 1808. The mill remained in operation until the turn of the 20th century. It was first opened to the public in the 1930s, and was restored in the 1960s. Nowadays it is open weekdays and Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun 1 to 5 p.m. during July and Aug when visitors can see its original wooden machinery, still operating today. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.