The James J. Hill House, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was built by railroad magnate James J. Hill and completed in 1891. Standing at the eastern end of Summit Avenue near the Cathedral of Saint Paul, the mansion quickly became one of the city’s most admired landmarks. At the time, its size and grandeur earned it the reputation of being the “showcase of St. Paul,” a title it held until Hill’s death in 1916. Today, the home is recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, managed by the Minnesota Historical Society, and is also part of the Historic Hill District.
Spanning 36,000 square feet of living space and 44,552 square feet in total, the residence was one of the largest private homes of its era. Hill purchased three lots along Summit Avenue in 1882, during a time when many wealthy citizens sought to build fashionable homes in the area. With sweeping views of downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River, the neighborhood quickly became one of the city’s most desirable addresses.
Before moving to Summit Avenue, the Hill family lived in St. Paul’s Lowertown district near Ninth and Canada streets. However, the growth of warehouses and railroad tracks crowded the area, while Hill’s ever-expanding collection of art and sculpture left little space in their home. Seeking both comfort and prestige, Hill envisioned a residence that incorporated the latest in modern conveniences—electric lighting, indoor plumbing, ventilation systems, and fireproofing—while also reflecting his growing social prominence. Known as the “Empire Builder,” Hill ensured that his mansion served as a lasting tribute to his influence, wealth, and vision.
