Reichstädt Windmill Monument
Station on the "Mill Tour on the Silver Road"
In 1850, the farmer Johann Gottlieb Zönnchen, owner of the neighboring Fohlen estate, had this tower windmill built for his own use, probably in order to save on milling fees and to be able to mill grain even in dry periods.
It is considered the smallest and highest (544 m high) windmill in Germany and has a milling mill, external churn and door hardware. The sale of the Fohlen estate to the knights of Schönberg and the expansion of the village road, probably in 1883, may have led to the milling operation being stopped. After that, it fell into disrepair.
In 1945, the municipality of Reichstädt became its owner as part of the land reform. In 1959/60, the mill was reconstructed on behalf of the German Cultural Association and was probably also recognized as a technical monument. All wooden fittings were replaced and a used water shaft was installed as an impeller shaft. Due to the rough weather, a second replacement of the impeller (rod cross) and the churn was necessary in 1982/83.
In 1993, the shingle covering of the conical roof was replaced. Two years later, a comprehensive sandstone renovation took place. Reichstädt once had 7 watermills.
The Reichstädter Windmühle e.V. local history association has been looking after the preservation of this gem since 1983.
Source: information board