Three major windmill factories, the Appleton, the Challenge, and the U. S. Wind Engine and Pump Co., were so productive that by 1890, Batavia was recognized as the leading windmill manufacturing city in the world.

The output of these companies served an important role in settling the West.

Several original Batavia manufactured windmills have been located, purchased, renovated, and erected along the Batavia Riverwalk.

The Model E windmill displayed on the Riverwalk, is patriotically depicted in red, white, and blue colors so often favored by the U.S. Wind Engine & Pump Company. The wood that forms the red tower-within-a-tower was cut from telephone poles in order to support the massive fourteen-foot diameter solid-wheel design wooden wheel.

The Riverwalk exhibit currently has seven examples of Batavia manufactured windmills. Most manufacturers are represented with a selection of Models and dates of production. All of the windmills are accompanied by a plaque with the history of the manufacturer and the particular model represented. Come take a walk on the Batavia Riverwalk to see these beauties operating as the day they were first erected.

Halliday Vaneless Windmill – circa 1880-1890
Donated by the Swanson Family in Memory of Aurthur Swanson

Challenge Vaneless “Model 1913” Windmill

Challenge “OK” Model Windmill – manufactured from 1885-1914

Challenge Steel Windmill – manufactured from 1906-1927

Goodhue Special Windmill – manufactured from 1902-1927

Model “E” Windmill – first invented in 1867

Challenge 27 Windmill – manufactured from 1927-1942