Moulin à Écraser

The Moulin à Écraser is a historic watermill located in Garoua, Cameroon.

Overview

• The Moulin à Écraser was constructed in 1900 and has been in operation for over 120 years. It was originally built to grind grain into flour for local consumption.

History

The Moulin à Écraser features an overshot wheel, a type of waterwheel commonly used in medieval Europe. The wheel is made of cast iron and is approximately 10 meters in diameter. The building itself is constructed from locally sourced stone and wood, with a traditional Cameroonian architectural style.

Architecture

• The mill features an overshot wheel, a type of waterwheel commonly used in medieval Europe. The wheel is made of cast iron and is approximately 10 meters in diameter.
• The building itself is constructed from locally sourced stone and wood, with a traditional Cameroonian architectural style.

Location

The Moulin à Écraser is situated near the town of Garoua, in the far north region of Cameroon. It stands on the banks of the Logone River, which provides the necessary water power for the mill's operation.

Current Status and Use

• The Moulin à Écraser is currently a working museum, open to the public for guided tours. Visitors can learn about its history and operation, as well as see demonstrations of traditional milling techniques.

Heritage Status and Preservation Efforts

The Moulin à Écraser has been designated as a national monument in Cameroon, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. Efforts have been made to preserve the mill's original architecture and machinery, with regular maintenance and restoration work carried out by local authorities.

Visiting Information

• Visitors can access the Moulin à Écraser by appointment, which can be arranged through the local tourism office. Guided tours are available in French and English, and last approximately 1 hour.

Notable Historical Events or Famous Millers

The Moulin à Écraser has played a significant role in the local economy for many years, providing flour for the community and supporting small-scale agriculture. Unfortunately, no notable historical events or famous millers are recorded in its history.

Technical Details

• The Moulin à Écraser features one overshot wheel with a diameter of approximately 10 meters.
• The grinding stones are made of granite and are capable of processing up to 100 kg of grain per hour.