[3] In the 1870s and 1880s, Golden Gate Park was planted on sand dunes and required substantial irrigation.

[4] In 1902, the Park Commission authorized the construction of two windmills to pump groundwater for park irrigation rather than purchasing water at exorbitant costs from the Spring Valley Water Company.

[6] Electric water pumps replaced the need for windmills in 1913, and the mill fell into disrepair.

In 1964, the San Francisco Citizens Commission for the Restoration of the Golden Gate Park Windmills was formed and led by Eleanor Rossi Crabtree, daughter of former San Francisco mayor Angelo Rossi.

In the Spring (February-April), colorful tulips are planted in the gardens in front and along the base of the Windmill.