James J. Hill House

On the Grid : James J. Hill House

"Completed in 1891 for the Canadian-American railroad tycoon James J. Hill, one of the few transcontinental train owners not to go bankrupt and known as the “Empire Builder”. This was attributed to Hill’s aggressive business tactics such as keeping costs and wages low and building the straightest path through the mountains. Originally from Canada, James Hill moved to the St. Paul area when his collection of art crowded his previous home. After his death the house was donated the St. Paul Cathedral and later to the Minnesota Historical Society who now have it open to the public for tours." - MOD