U.S. #1741

1980 15¢ Dutch Windmill
Windmills

Issue Date: February 7, 1980

City: Lubbock, TX

Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Printing Method: Engraved

Perforations: 11

Color: Sepia

The earliest...  more

U.S. #1741

1980 15¢ Dutch Windmill
Windmills

Issue Date: February 7, 1980

City: Lubbock, TX

Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Printing Method: Engraved

Perforations: 11

Color: Sepia

The earliest-known windmills were used in Persia around 644 A.D. and were later adopted by the Europeans in the 12th century. For over 650 years, these devices were an important source of power. However, the discovery of steam power in the early 19th century brought about a gradual decline in their use. Although many people think only of picturesque windmills dotting the Dutch countryside, they were widely used on American farms throughout the 1700 and 1800s. Today, many of these graceful structures have disappeared, but the possibility of electrical power generated by wind has been under study in recent years.