How did a 17th-century windmill end up in a modern Amsterdam sports park? That’s the story of the 1100 Roe. This remarkable windmill originally stood near the Haarlemmerweg. It diligently drained water from the combined Sloterbinnen and Middelveld polders. Its watery destination? The Haarlemmertrekvaart canal. Imagine the scene: horses pulling barges along the canal while the 1100 Roe tirelessly worked in the background.
The 1100 Roe isn’t just any windmill. Its name reflects its historical significance. “Roe” refers to an old unit of length. The name 1100 Roe indicates its distance from the Haarlemmerpoort gate. That’s nearly four kilometers a considerable trek even by today’s standards. Think about the effort it took to build this mill back then. All by hand. Amazing.
The 1100 Roe’s construction was a huge undertaking. It was built in 1674 a time when Amsterdam was experiencing a building boom. This was a period of growth and ambitious engineering projects. The construction reflects the ingenuity and skill of the era’s builders.
However its story doesn’t end there. In 1961 the 1100 Roe faced demolition. This wasn’t the end. Instead it was meticulously dismantled. It was relocated to its current home at Sportpark Ookmeer. This unexpected move transformed it into a beloved landmark. It still performs its original function. The 1100 Roe regulates water levels in the park. But now it does it for a park not polders.
Today the 1100 Roe stands as a testament to resilience. It is a symbol of Amsterdam’s history and engineering prowess. This windmill is a unique blend of the old and the new. Its presence adds a touch of historical charm to a modern setting. You see the 1100 Roe is more than just a windmill. It is a living piece of Amsterdam’s past. A reminder of the ingenuity and hard work that shaped the city we know today. It is a story worth remembering. A story worth sharing. The story of the 1100 Roe.