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Steven John
St. Paul, Minn.

A tour of the historic James J. Hill house

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The James J. Hill House
The James J. Hill House in St. Paul was completed in 1891. It has 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, and 16 crystal chandeliers. The exterior stone was brought in -- by train, of course -- from New England.
MPR Photo/Jeff Jones

Some of the state's most historic homes will open their doors this weekend for the Ramsey Hill House Tour.

Just up Summit Avenue from downtown St. Paul, the national historic district features one of the largest and best-preserved groups of Victorian-era homes in North America.

Sunday's walking tour will also feature the Commodore Hotel, where F. Scott Fitzgerald spent some time. But, anchoring the Ramsey Hill neighborhood, is the domed Cathedral of Saint Paul and the landmark James J. Hill House.

When it was completed in 1891, the residence of the railroad baron James J. Hill, was the largest and most expensive home in Minnesota. It cost over $900,000 to build and furnish, or about $22 million in today's dollars.

The 36,000 square foot, stone mansion includes 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, it's own two-story art gallery, complete with pipe organ -- and many sophisticated technical systems that were well ahead of their time.

These days, the Hill House is operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. Craig Johnson is the site manager, and he took All Things Considered on a tour of the house.

Gallery
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Craig Johnson
Craig Johnson is site manager for the James J. Hill House in St. Paul. The house was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and the Minnesota Historical Society took over the property in 1978.
MPR Photo/Jeff Jones
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The James J. Hill House
The James J. Hill House in St. Paul was completed in 1891. It has 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, and 16 crystal chandeliers. The exterior stone was brought in -- by train, of course -- from New England.
MPR Photo/Jeff Jones
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James J. Hill House inside
The inside of the James J. Hill House is as dark and foreboding as the outside. The grand staircase greeted visitors to formal occasions. At other times, it was hidden from view by huge doors.
MPR Photo/Jeff Jones