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James J. Hill: Railroad Baron: Images & Artifacts

Image Collections

Hill-Boeckmann Family Photograph Collection, ca. 1856-1907.
Includes views of James J. and Mary T. Hill, their children and grandchildren, family friends, and church clerics. Views consist of informal plays, weddings, family members in costume, hunting expeditions, family outings, family members relaxing at home and at North Oaks, and vacations. Locations include the interior and exterior of the Hill House at 240 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota; the Louis W. Hill farm in North Oaks; and vacation spots in Aiken, South Carolina; Jekyll Island, Georgia; and Paris. 
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid
Selected images from this collection are also available digitally. 

Sample Images at MNHS

 James J. Hill, age 18  James J. Hill with engineer and fireman of the train engine William CrooksNorth (front) elevation, featuring entry Port Cochere, James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota. James J. Hill, at spike driving celebration extending the Great Northern Railroad, Bend, Oregon.

Sample Artifacts at MNHS

Black wool evening tailcoat is double-breasted with a notched collar and peaked lapels that are faced with black silk. The coat has a two-button closure at center front, with two black fabric covered metal shank buttons and two button holes on either side. Steam locomotive used to power Minnesota's first passenger line for the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. Named in honor of William Crooks, the St. Paul and Pacific's chief engineer. Mail car lock made of brass used on the Great Northern Railroad. Brass and black-painted surveying transit used in the construction of the Great Northern Railroad. Stored in wooden carrying case with leather straps and contains a black cloth protective cover.1906.  A beveled glass inkwell and corresponding brass stand used by James J. Hill in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The set features wood inlaid with brass in a bird and vine motif on the inkwell cap and the base of the stand. Square silver calling card tray used by the James J. Hill family at their home in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The tray is monogrammed "H" in the center and has a floral border. Octagon shaped lapel pin with bronze finish reading "VETERAN'S ASSOCIATION OF THE GREAT NORTHERN RY." with a bas-relief of James J. Hill, the founder of the railroad.

 

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