The Zaan region has a long industrial history dating back several centuries. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it became one of the earliest major industrial areas in Western Europe, with hundreds of windmills powering sawmills, oil presses, paint production, and other manufacturing activities. From 1961 onward, historic houses, mills, and other structures were relocated here from the surrounding area. Today, it offers a glimpse into the working life of the region during the 18th and 19th centuries.

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