The historic windmills of the East End, including the iconic Hook Windmill, remain as living landmarks and a powerful testament to preservation efforts. Here, we look at the enduring legacy of this cherished East Hampton institution. By Helene Falkoff
The classic wood paneling, quaint white-trimmed windows, and manicured landscapes that define many Hamptons homes also characterize some of its most iconic—and historic—structures. Among them are 11 historic windmills scattered across the area, often passed by residents and visitors without a second thought. These timeless landmarks have endured for centuries, but one in particular stands out. The Hook Windmill, built in 1806, is still nestled between Pantigo Road and North Main Street in East Hampton, thanks to decades of community care and preservation. The windmill changed hands several times before the Village of East Hampton acquired it in 1922. Since then, it has been open seasonally for tours in which visitors can go inside to get an up-close look at its storied past. What makes the Hook Windmill especially unique is its unchanging location; it has stood on the same spot for nearly 220 years, a rare feat for historic windmills. Though there has been talk of relocating it due to road safety—much like the Westhampton Beach Windmill in 2022—for now, the Hook Windmill remains rooted in place, a proud and enduring symbol of East Hampton’s heritage
TIMELINE
1806 The Hook Windmill is constructed by Nathaniel Dominy V.
1908 After more than 100 years of operation, commercial milling ceases and the windmill halts production.
1922 The Village of East Hampton purchases the mill in order to restore it for preservation and summer use.
1978 The windmill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
2007 The structure undergoes a major restoration. With the help of local preservation groups, there has been occasional demonstrations of operation.
DID YOU KNOW…
– The Hook Windmill, also known as the Old Hook Mill, was one of the last operating windmills on Long Island and is still capable of spinning because it’s one of the youngest.
– The mill is named after a bend or “hook” in East Hampton’s North Main Street where it sits on an artificial mound called the “mill hill” that had been the site of one or possibly two previous windmills.
– East Hampton is reportedly the only place in the United States that maintains three historic windmills. The other two are Pantigo Mill and Gardiner Mill.
The center post of the Hook Mill appears to be the main post of the former Post Mill, which was torn down when the Hook Mill was constructed. This main post is the only physical evidence to remain of the many post mills constructed on eastern Long Island during the 17th and 18th centuries
