Work is underway to reconstruct the historic Governor John Adams Dix Windmill on the Great Lawn in Westhampton Beach, marking a significant milestone in the village’s ongoing preservation efforts.
The windmill dates back to 1870 and was originally located on property owned by the former governor on nearby Sunswyck Lane. Unlike other windmills on Long Island, which were primarily used for milling grain or sawing timber, this windmill was uniquely built to pump water—a vital function for the agricultural and residential needs of the times. With as many as 35 such structures in operation, the village was once known as “Windmill Town,”
The landmark’s journey to its new home was a historic event in itself. A convoy of trucks carefully transported the 150-year-old tower in four pieces to fit under utility lines, saving thousands in extra costs.
The windmill was donated to the village in 2021 by Adam and Didi Hutt, who purchased the original estate and wished to see the structure preserved. The move itself, costing just under $49,000, was funded through donations raised by the Westhampton Beach Historical Society and the Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce. It also received support from the Southampton Town Community Preservation Fund and the village.
Carpenters are hard at work putting the windmill back together with historical accuracy, with the goal of making it fully functional. Plans have been floated to reconnect a large wooden water tank that was discovered during disassembly. Preservation consultant Larry Jones noted that the tank, heavy with water, likely contributed to the windmill’s resilience through hurricanes, including the devastating Long Island Express storm that leveled much of the surrounding area in 1938.
Once fully restored, the windmill will serve as a historical exhibit, educating visitors about Westhampton Beach’s rich past and the important role windmills played in early village life.