T his is another of the mighty and genteel mansions that line the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. But this one has a difference. It was built for a great builder, and is infused with his sensibilities, pride, and notions that things should be built large, and strong. James J. Hill was the man behind the Great Northern Railroad. His achievement had to be mirrored in the place he would call home. The huge red sandstone structure became synonymous with the man and his legacy. Hill personally watched over every phase of design and construction of the home, and even gave individual directions to the masons. He ended up firing the architects when they dared defy him, but at least at long last he had his house. Today, its main function is as a museum where people can see the opulence that surrounded one of America's first empire builders. The Hill House is an excellent example of what James J. Hill was all about. To look at it is to see the brooding strength embodied in Hill, and later transferred from his business empire to his home. Even those who never bother to stop, and never learn who James J. Hill is, know that the person reponsible for this home on Summit Avenue is a figure to be reconed with.
1925 - After the death of Mr. and Mrs. Hill, the mansion was given to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul.
1978 - The Hill House becomes the property of the Minnesota Historical Society.
1961 - The Hill House becomes a national historic landmark.
When the mansion was complete, it was the largest home in Minnesota.
When presented with designs for a Tiffany window, Hill rejected them as inadequate.
Janet Wprden
Thursday, January 21st, 2010 @ 6:13pm
My house is also a historic house, built by one of James Hill's stone masons named Anderson. My house was built partially from end pieces and leftovers from the Hill Mansion. I even have a piece of marble from his private bath. My house being on a much lower priced piece of the real estate. It was built in 1896 and has had only three owners.
Jessica Shappell
Saturday, February 23rd, 2008 @ 9:34pm
Rating: Five stars. I just resently visted this home.I went here on a feild trip for school. i was amazed about the feelings you get in certain rooms. i loved the colors and old stuff in this room it was amazing me and my mom where just searching the web for more places like this to go to and we would really like to visit here again. i will never forget in the basement when we went into the bathroom there was a door that opened and behind it was just a brick wall. it kinda creeped me out that i didnt even have to go to the bathroom anymore. this place is awesome for when your bored and want a nice place to go that is fun too.! i recomend this as a place to go before you die!!! its so awesome!
James E. Welsch
Sunday, March 18th, 2007 @ 2:19pm
As a young man and owning my own construction company I was employed by the archdioscese to repair some windows in the home. I was overcome by the enormious chandilier in the main entrance, could have been 8 feet across. Yes the home was extremely impressive with items such as the silverware drawers with locks etc.While building homes in North Oaks I was privy to seeing some of the horse carriages stored there that the Hills used, in beautiful shape
cathy morris
Monday, February 12th, 2007 @ 8:57pm
Rating: Five stars. I have visited the Hill mansion and was awe struck by the design and how beyond his time he was. It was breath taking and I could have spent hours just walking around and looking at all the wonderful rooms
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Janet Wprden
Five stars.