* Grinding grain: Windmills were used to grind wheat, corn, and other grains into flour. This was an important task, as flour was a staple food for people in the 1800s.
* Pumping water: Windmills were also used to pump water from wells or rivers. This water was used for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes.
* Generating electricity: In the late 1800s, windmills began to be used to generate electricity. This was a new and innovative way to use wind power, and it helped to make windmills even more popular.
Windmills were an important part of life on the plains in the 1800s. They provided a source of power that could be used for a variety of tasks, and they helped to make life easier for people who lived in this region.
In addition to the uses listed above, windmills were also used to power sawmills, gristmills, and other types of machinery. They were also used to generate electricity for lighting and other purposes.
Windmills were a common sight on the plains in the 1800s, and they played an important role in the development of this region. They were a source of power that was reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly.