James J. Hill House (Mansion)

While traveling in Minnesota recently, I had the opportunity to tour the James J. Hill house in St. Paul. Hill was a powerhouse businessperson in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This mansion, building in the late 19th century, cost over 900,000 dollars. In todays dollars, this house would easily cost around 20 million dollars. Mr. and Mrs. Hill and their family of 8 or 10 children occupied the house for many years, and had a live in staff of servants numbering about a dozen, not counting servants whom were housed outside of the house. The house is built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, and construction lasted some three years. There are many interesting details, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour (no doubt thanks to our great guide, thanks Joanna!)

I encourage you to check out this interesting place, it tells an important story about the life of Mr. Hill and his family, and the world he had so much impact on.

I uploaded over 100 photos to a facebook album here, and I am uploading photos occassionally to flickr as well, here.

Following is one of my favorites from the visit, and then a flickr slideshow.

Peace!

Berd