A collection of hundreds of windmills is on display at the American Wind Power Center in Lubbock. On these arid plains a means to get ground water up to the livestock was an imperative and windmills popped up all across the landscape. Early wooden versions were works of art too with bright red white and blue wheels and cast counter weights in the shape of cattle, squirrels, roosters and lots of other shapes.
Designs evolved. Early segmented wheels actually hinged to dump air in high wind. Drives used hardwood gears then cast or sometimes direct drive. At first they were all required routine servicing to oil and grease. Later came splash lubricated then units built with sealed casings and self lubricating. There are some rare models on display here. Nice
Check out this post mill. It was built to commemorate the first wind driven grist mill in North America that dated 1621. It is quite the machine. Changing winds turn the fan tail, drive a series of gears, and turn the whole mill on this gigantic post to keep the main sails facing the wind. Two pairs of mill stones are inside this millhouse on the post. That is where the grinding is done.

The museum has a big collection of millstones including detailed history and descriptions. Many ground grain but some cork, flint for china, hemp, fertilizer, pigments and lots of other stuff.

Train buffs don’t miss this place. There is a huge, intricate model train set up. Just wonderful.