09/17/2026
I love this. Some early windmills were based on astronomy and actually functioned like sundials called horologiums. Multi tasking.
Look familiar? This is not the Old Stone Mill in Touro Park, instead it is a print of the Old Mill at Chesterton, England.
Often the center of debate on its origin, the Old Stone Mill exists on land once belonging to Governor Benedict Arnold (1615-1678), the great great grandfather of the Revolutionary War traitor also named Benedict Arnold. According to Governor Arnold's final will and testament, he lists the structure as his "stone built wind mill", but legend says the mill's origins could be traced to pre-Colombian voyages to North America by the Norse, Chinese, Crusaders of the 12th and 13th centuries, the Knights Templar and more!
The legends still live on today, and you can explore each one on the Legends & Lore Walking tour on Saturday, September 26th at 2pm! For more information and to purchase tickets for this tour visit NewportHistory.org/Tours
👟Legends & Lore Walking Tour
📅Saturday, September 26th | 2pm
📍Check-in & departure from the Colony House | Washington Square, Newport
Print of the Old Mill at Chesterton, England closely resembling the Old Stone Mill in Newport, RI. 2004.13.39. Collections of the Newport Historical Society.
