The village was first mentioned in 1388 as Post, and means outside bridge. Buiten (outside) was added to distinguish from the hamlet of . Buitenpost is a road village which developed along the main road from
Leeuwarden to
Groningen, and became the capital of the
grietenij (predecessor of a municipality) Achtkarspelen. In 1840, it was home to 882 people. In 1866,
Buitenpost railway station was opened in the village. Wind mill
De Mûnts is a polder mill constructed in 1871. Its purpose was to remove the excess water from the low-lying
polder. The mill was located in , Groningen, and was needed for the construction of the
Eems Canal. On 7 July 1952, it was scheduled for demolition, but was bought by Wolter Bakker and moved to Buitenpost to replace an engine powered pumping station. ==Notable buildings==