Gilded Age Mansion of RR tycoon James J. Hill

Jeff and Sarah visit the sprawling mansion of railroad tycoon James J. Hill who was one of the wealthiest men in America when he died in 1916. This St. Paul, Minnesota home is spectacular! Come see what a turn-of-the-century millionaire lived in!
They will also check out the massive Cathedral of St. Paul!
#historyhunters #jameshillmansion #minnesota
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[@kennethhanshansenjr.7019]

This video reminds me of an old saying about life: "after the game is over, all the players are returned to the same box."

[@jbenziggy]

So true! But he had a great life, going from pauper to millionaire. But I wonder if he enjoyed his life working that hard?

[@DavidNiehaus20]

Jeff would you fufill my suggestion by visiting the grave of John philip sousa please and you are the sweetest kindest most special guy on youtube ♥️♥️

[@CameronMcCreary]

How true!!! 😂

[@alidaweber1023]

Indeed!

[@sharonjose9716]

My family came from Germany and settled in St. Paul. The older generation is also buried there. My grandfather and dad both worked for Great Northern and Northern Pacific. When the companies merged and became Burlington Northern , they both worked for that company as well.

[@mattn676]

"Work, hard work, intelligent work, and then more work" is a formula for success that might not resonate well with today's young people. Very nice presentation of J.Hill's mansion and Cathedral of St. Paul! 👍👍

[@craigj5403]

My wife and I toured the house about 5 years ago, coming from a carpentry background, the woodcarving was far beyond anything I've ever seen before. With all those kids I wonder how much of it got damaged and repaired in those years. Thanks for your excellent videos :)

[@CameronMcCreary]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah for presenting this beautiful mansion. Being disabled I can't readily travel to these places so, again many thanks for going there for us watchers. The oak wood looked like brown oak and the mahogany looked to be of the Cuban variety which both of these are impossible to acquire nowadays. Heck it is now difficult to get Honduras mahogany in large sized pieces. I also noticed the table ware service which looked to be stainless steel; I wonder if they had the sterling silver that they would have used back then on display. When I was a kid my Mom and Grandmother would get out the sterling service for holiday meals and when relatives came to visit and I was charged with polishing the sterling. Ah, the 1960s as a kid it was a much better time for me than today's world. I visited the Huntington Mansion at San Marino Ranch in Southern California when I was younger. Owned by Mr. & Mrs. Henry Edwards Huntington & Arabella Huntington, which became the Huntington Library in San Marino, CA. This was the only really opulent mansion I have ever visited and it was also amazing. These people became very rich and had these homes built for themselves but as I thought about it they didn't have many years to live in them. It was too bad that mansion across the street was raised for the church. It would have been interesting to see inside that one.

[@luanneriffle616]

Love seeing the old homes that aren’t built like that today. They are exquisite of a time gone by but of their existence to be admired today.

[@jbenziggy]

Aren’t they beautiful?

[@sueaveyard9399]

😂so true.

[@sondragramse1770]

Glensheen Mansion in Duluth is a good one... with a murderous twist. Sondra from St Paul.

[@jbenziggy]

Yeah we wanted to get up there but didn’t have time to do it all! I bet it’s fascinating!

[@dano8203]

All that money and in the end it was donated to the church. James Hill put so much money and detail in this house I’m thinking he wanted this to stay in the family. Speaking of detail, Jeff you did a great job in your detail in this episode!

[@tomfields3682]

And Hill wasn't even a Catholic!

[@dano8203]

Unfortunately you can’t buy your way into heaven.

[@alanatolstad4824]

I love books, and libraries, so you can imagine my frustration about not being allowed to explore the massive library during my Hearst Castle tour!---Wow, that basilica. I was fortunate to see the magnificent basilica in St.Louis last year.---I enjoyed the neighborhood tour, made me nostalgic for North Dakota.

[@patrickbeck3285]

I was born and raised in Saint Paul. Back in the early 1970s, I took a tour of the James Hill house and attended many masses at the Cathedral. My parents are also buried at Resurrection Cemetery. This was an excellent video depicting the Hill home and the Cathedral in Saint Paul.

[@marydilley4455]

I grew up hearing stories about St Paul and Minneapolis where my mom lived. She and my grandmother raved of the beauty of St Paul's cathedral on many occasions. She also talked about the grandeur of the mansions and the craftsmanship quality of the homes. I was 14 when she took me and my sister to visit....i just wish i had the appreciation of it all back then. Thank you for putting this video together for me as it brings back memories of my mother's and grandparents' love of the Twin Cities. Love your shows as always.❤

[@sharylcherwa7369]

Wow!! What a Neighborhood. I Love the Beautiful Old Houses ❤ Thank you Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

They are quite extraordinary! I appreciate the comment!

[@fs357mag]

I always learn something when I watch your videos. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jbenziggy]

Great! Thanks for learning from our videos!

[@tomtransport]

This was very informative great job as usual Jeff and Sarah. The woodwork in that home was breathtaking. I understand the value of hard work but it helps to work "smart" too. I always looked at work/job to be made as easy and stress free as possible. I'm retired more than 10 years now. I was orphaned at 14, people will say, "oh you had a rough life" I always say to them, "I Wouldn't change a thing, my past got me to where I am today". Of course I wouldn't want my parents to pass so early in life but I could not change/help that.

[@LucasLinda-lm7sb]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah for sharing this is a very elegant and beautiful home

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff and Sarah, Thanks for sharing this interesting story and history and touring the mansion. Have a wonderful Sunday.

[@bigten37]

As someone who was born and raised in Minneapolis, I wanted to thank you for showing this beautiful home and cathedral. St Paul has always valued their buildings and architecture much more than Minneapolis. I really enjoyed this video along with the video of Lakewood Cemetery. Keep up the great work!

[@jerryfountain7921]

If one has it, then one should flaunt it. An amazing story of rags to riches! I can't imagine what his payroll debt was every 2 weeks. Nice to see Sarah appear again in this video. Thanks for all your well thought out research Jeff, I love the trips you take us on!

[@FDT212]

Very beautiful home I always wondered why people never smiled in photos back then

[@culturematters4157]

The exposure time for film plates back then was so long (several seconds) that it worked better if people were in a more relaxed state.

[@swansfan6944]

Oh Jeff, I couldn’t pick my jaw up off the floor. Stunning 😍 is not a strong enough word. Is this a dying art? as you don’t see this type of woodwork being done today. Actually you don’t see that stone work being done today either. Breathtaking 👍thanks Jeff and Sarah. ❤Jodie 🇦🇺

[@SteveTRYK]

Cool - love me some railroad history! Imagine being rich and famous enough that people will be touring your home 100 years hence!!

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

The Church and Mansion are spectacular. I really liked the other homes in that neighborhood

[@jbenziggy]

It’s a beautiful neighborhood! Thanks for watching!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed again, Jeff and Sarah, very impressive

[@pryme2013]

I toured this house in grade school for a field trip over 35yrs ago. Way before I could appreciate it.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Incredible house , can't believe how much wood work and stone masonry went into it and the church was amazing sad they knocked down the house before it. Really great video Jeff and Sarah Loved it Thankyou

[@susanpeterson8529]

Beautiful buildings Jeff. Thank you!

[@sandrabonner8208]

There is always something more grand, a representation of even greater wealth. I suggest: "Hearst Castle." As amazing as this house is, it makes this look like a hovel! Thank you, Jeff and Sarah!

[@LaVaqueraMarin]

Incredible homes! Thank you so much!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@brentmcmillan646]

Wow! The craftsmanship in that house is amazing!!! Way ahead in technological features compared to the rest of the world at that time. Thank you for sharing.

[@theburtseoni]

That was some big stone cottage! I can't even imagine living large like those folks did! And the worker who did all the wood carvings, he was a real artist! This was a treat to see that place Jeff!

[@greyghostjay]

I love stuff like this. So glad it wasn't torn down like a lot were. Wow what a place!

[@jbenziggy]

Yes! What a place!

[@stevestreet2825]

I delivered Art, 20 years, this Mansion oh my! Thank You

[@lornahardin4563]

Absolutely amazing the workmanship in Mr. Hills mansion. Can you imagine their kids playing hide and seek in it? I can see it in it's day with lots of trees and the area not built up like today. The area homes are amazing to see too. What a gorgeous walk that would be looking at all of them and dreaming of living in one. Thanks Sarah and Jeff for this great tour.

[@jbenziggy]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks, Lorna!

[@sambone8213]

Great to see you in beautiful Saint Paul MN. Another fun fact: Scott Fitzgerald grew up at 599 Summit Ave. I was lucky enough to walk through it back in 2016 during a Summit Ave Mansion tour.

[@trishamorriston3737]

Very cool. Great work Jeff and Sarah. Always happy to see a new video 😊 1:53

[@garymckee63]

I don't think that the craftsmanship that went into these structures could be duplicated today. Thanks for the video.😊

[@dam00k]

Even if you could find the materials the lost knowledge exists only marginally in niche arts.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

So fun going along with you on your adventures and getting my HH "fix" for the week Jeff & Sarah!!! ~Chris

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, good sir! We are a healthy addiction to have! 😂

[@Dana-fn5zt]

You should come and investigate where I work! It's the Huntington library, art collections, and botanical gardens in San Marino, California. Once was the home of Henry E. Huntington who was the nephew of Collins Huntington, who was one of the big four that started the railroad back east. It's beautiful!!!

[@wsclulin]

If you thought that was extravagant, a trip to the Gilded Age mansions in New Port RI, especially the Breakers, is an incredible experience

[@wsclulin]

@@richardbirkenwald811 True!

[@cnph7067]

Thanks Jeff & Sarah for taking us along! Very well done

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

Wow! Jeff, Sarah thank you for the adventure. Those were two magnificent structures. Appreciate you guys sharing that with us.

[@WayneKline]

Sorry Jeff, I will busy this morning, now 20:00 here and just got to watch another great episode from History Hunters. Great work, well done!

[@richardsmith4187]

Jeff & Sarah The James Hill mansion is nothing less than spectacular and your video and descriptions made it come alive ! I could have watched you narrate for another hour as it was so interesting and beautiful. I could not believe how absolutely huge the interior was and the woodwork was amazing. Then you topped it off with the church across the street !! Also beautiful inside and out. I would love to see you do more videos in other states as nobody comes close to you in digging out details of a story and your videos really do bring history alive. Your trip has produced some great content and thank you and Sarah for your dedication and hard work in producing these great stories ! If you ever make it to Florida, maybe we will meet up for lunch or dinner. Thanks again

[@tresilewis5925]

Great video. Thanks for taking us along to see such sublime architecture.

[@juliogonzales5441]

WHAT A DREAM HOUSE 🏠....THANKS JEFF AND SARAH 😊😊

[@karaDee2363]

Thank you for the excellent tour of the mansion. I love all the old world craftsmanship used back then

[@heden1460]

Thanks for the tour. The building and church are very beautiful.

[@gdroege44]

You have a great history channel! 🏆

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you!!!

[@normsweet1710]

Yes ! Well done indeed ! Reminds me of the times when I was a lot younger and Dad & Mom would take us boys on a drive to look at the big homes of 2& 3 stories in around Detroit. Mom would pack a lunch of chicken, radish’s, tomatoes and Dad would treat us kids to a soda and we’d have lunch at one of the parks in the city. Was late after the drive home to our farm, we’d crawl into bed and compare notes on what we saw the next day at breakfast. Thanks Jeff, your description & narration are always spot on and interesting 👍❤️

[@robertcassey4014]

wow… the grandeur is overwhelming. How lucky for you guys to visit this home. And thank you so much for bringing us along! ❤

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!!!

[@patmoritz5213]

Rich people and their homes, always interesting. Thanks guys!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Pat!

[@terrychapman8460]

WOW!!! Loved this episode! Thank you Jeff and Sarah for taking me along!

[@jbenziggy]

You are welcome but we thank you for watching it!

[@heathergeorghiou9544]

How lovely, Jeff and Sarah. Thanks for sharing.

[@darlenejohnson8864]

Thanks for showing this. Loved the video. I love trains. The j.j. hill house is magnificent. Good job.

[@laurielaurie8280]

Beautiful buildings. Its sad to think of all the beautiful mansions and homes of that era that have been torn down. Nothing much built today compares to the craftsmanship of the Victorian era.

[@christopherweise438]

Now you're up in my neck of the woods. I'm about 90 minutes away in Wisconsin. Thanks for the great video Jeff and Sarah.

[@jbenziggy]

Very cool! It’s a lovely time of year up there!

[@user-ok2si5rb9n]

Thank you Jeff & Sarah for another wonderful video. It is a great tour through history.

[@angiebeasworrick6569]

My birth father is buried in Fort Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis. I never got a chance to meet him, so it very nice to see the area through your eyes. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Sorry to hear that you never got to see your dad. Happy thought that you liked the video!

[@jacquestedcooper]

You did a great job researching this video. The James J. Hill house is very impressive. The Hills also owned a farm in North Oaks (north of St. Paul near White Bear Lake). The family donated money to build St. Mary’s Church in White Bear Lake. Mary was Catholic and also donated to the building of the Cathedral. Summit Avenue is a beautiful street to explore. Thanks for doing this video.

[@privatepilot4064]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah! Well done!

[@jbenziggy]

Great to hear! Thanks!

[@stephenspilker9334]

i do want to add one thing. the mansion had it's own power plant that was at one time the biggest privately owned plant in the country.

[@jbenziggy]

Interesting. I didn’t come across that information so thanks!

[@bethkamatchus5757]

Glenshien manton in Duluth MN is a nice place to visit. I was born and raised in Mankato , MN

[@suzannecrum9702]

Never heard of Mr.Hill.What a house! Wow!ok go ahead and sweep my humble abode under the rug! I could not even dream of a home like that one! Thanks Jeff and Sarah!

[@jbenziggy]

As long as we love our homes, who cares that a millionaire like Hill could live like that? LOL. The way I see it, Suzanne, he had a lot more headaches to deal with keeping up with that lifestyle!

[@suzannecrum9702]

@@jbenziggy Good point you made.I don't want to comprehend his world.But,have to say the workmanship on that house is beautiful.Thanks again!

[@carolynpurser7469]

Wow! Such a beautiful home and church. The craftsmanship in both is outstanding.

[@philmcmurray]

Loved this video, as usual. Amazing buildings folks used to build. I wish there were still a desire to put the time, effort and money into buildings like these. Today's construction is not even close. Thanks for the tours!

[@sharonjose9716]

I have been there. Glad you were able to enjoy it.

[@davidkulczyk678]

A good friend of mine lives in the Twin Cities. I was only there once and it was zero degree outside

[@marceyvogt2007]

Great old mansions. I love to see them. Thank you.☮️💖🎶

[@jimarth3280]

Another great video Jeff. The carving Sarah was admiring is probably a "Green Man", also known in art history as foliate heads or foliate masks, representations of the Green Man. Often used as decorative architectural ornaments

[@greggwatkinsjr.4308]

Wow, what a house! So beautiful and big, if I had my own mansion, I'd have my own movie theater. Love the pipe organ! 😆 Also the St. Paul church look beautiful as well, as for this video, I give it 2 thumps up.

[@janiesippel225]

Next to graveyards and museums visits, touring old homes and buildings is a favorite thing for me to do while on vacation. Thanks for posting.😊❤

[@jbenziggy]

There was another one in Duluth we wanted to see but there was not enough time. Also one day hope to see the Charles Lindbergh house in Minnesota!

[@briannave7326]

Very interesting. Amazing how they were able to build such magnificent homes and buildings in the 1800’s without the modern equipment we have today.

[@festerhairball6588]

Wow! Reminds me of the Crocker mansion in Sacramento ( now Crocker art museum). An overwhelming display of master craftsmanship. I stand in awe when looking at buildings like this. Love this episode. Thanks Jeff & Sarah!

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thanks!

[@WildWestGal]

Jeff, your videos just keep getting better and better! Your research is so impressive, and you know we all love the old photos! I absolutely love "mansion tours," and this one didn't disappoint! Cheers from So. Oregon

[@17jex62]

The best history teller…….keep us imform about history love it 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙👍🏼 GREAT 👍🏼 JOB JEFF

[@mernarodway7301]

Jeff, you are the greatest tour guide! Thank you for another great video😊

[@tedmccullen7466]

Best show yet I really-really enjoyed watching the program thank you.u hit this one out of the park

[@davidl9372]

Thanks for this bit of history. The mansion and cathedral are beautiful. The craftsmanship must be impressive in person.

[@ralphromeo7066]

The organ was fabulous, along with everything inside this majestic home. Your traveling is quite extensive, Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks my friend Ralph! It was quite impressive! The bathroom, eh. 🤣

[@liberalliar9216]

I could never imagine this type of wealth. Excellent video!!!

[@jbenziggy]

You and me both! Thanks!

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi Jeff...nice vlog...the beautiful mansion with the elegant stairway..the carvings....the Cathedral is also stunning...love old historical places.....thanks for your dedication to history ....take care..... Deborah 🇨🇦

[@williamphillips7068]

Beautiful home and church thank you for sharing

[@stevemcgarrett317]

Another great history lesson…

[@davidholley1702]

Thanks for traveling and sharing what you find with us. We look forward to your next report.

[@ford32able]

What is really sad is that the men, women, who built America are no longer taught in our wonderful public school system. My thanks goes to you and Sarah to help History not die.

[@jbenziggy]

I truly appreciate the kind remarks about our efforts! Thank you for watching and supervising what we produce for everyone!

[@frankmarullo228]

Good video guys . This mansion reminds me of the mansion in billings called the Moss Mansion. THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.......

[@edwardaustin740]

Another mind blowing video. Thank Jeff. You know how to bring history to life. This reminded me of when I visited the Biltmore Estate a few years ago. Have you and Sarah ever visited the Biltmore ? If not, it should be on everyone's bucket list. Thanks again.

[@sherrycarney4924]

Beautiful and the church is magnificent!

[@craigcardwell4143]

This is one of the best shows on KZbin, and thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you, Craig! Love your nice assessment of our channel! Bless you!

[@AB-ye7bw]

Wow! The opulence. Great episode. Looking forward to the next one.

[@karenmiller2642]

Another great video.

[@sarahmessex8231]

It’s fantastic Beautiful home but I love a beautiful cozy home 🏡 ❤

[@jbenziggy]

I totally agree! But I’ll have no choice but to have a smaller house. 😂

[@redmccoy8633]

Seems that you guys did it again. Love old home tours. And the old neighborhood homes are just magnificent . Thanx.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! So happy you had fun watching!

[@maryirdenieks9515]

I must say that was an outstanding video! Thank you!!

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you!

[@161papa]

Nice neighborhood! Beautiful buildings and interesting history. Jeff, thank you for telling their stories. If you are ever in Southern California, you should check out Carroll St. in Los Angeles.

[@jbthor9032]

I totally enjoyed this History, Hunters. I'm not sure if I have ever been to see St. Paul Cathedral. I know I was in the church you should at the beginning of this video. It would have been 1974 when I saw that church. You drive past it on i-94 just before the tunnel. Though I need to visit the Cathedral.

[@skimmer8774]

I just missed you cause I live on Lexington Ave across from Resurrection cemetery. Darn. Plus I've gone to mass many times at the cathedral and it is beautiful. Choirs sound awsome in there to. Thanks for this great video 😊

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

Have you visited James Hill's son-in-laws museum of Maryhill on the Columbia River in Washington state?. Sam Hill also built the Peace Arch between Washington state and British Columbia. Nancy

[@georgiasmalley8984]

Thank you for sharing

[@janetceniza8091]

Husband speaking age 81 - 9:30 am heading for church so will finish the last half later. My mothers mom lived in WEALTH across the street from Central Park in NY. She said they had upstairs maids and downstairs maids. She was so pampered that when two brothers lost all their wealth and she was forced to move West, she didn't even know how to take care of her own hair so had it cut off in a man's hair cut. I can honestly say that I am glad I never knew her as she was not a nice woman. ( stories from my mother ) I think she could never accept being poor from what she lived as a young lady.