Created by railroad tycoon James J. Hill, the Great Northern Railway runs more than 1,700 miles (about 2,736 km) runs from St. Paul, Minnesota to Seattle, Washington. It was developed by the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in the 19th century in an effort to expand a transcontinental railroad into the Pacific Northwest. Hill was able to construct the entire railway with only private funds and without taking any land grants. Unlike other railroads, it was also able to avoid bankruptcy in the Panic of 1893.

The James J. Hill House is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, near the Cathedral of St. Paul on Summit Avenue. Built by railroad tycoon and founder of the Great Northern Railway, James J. Hill, the house was completed in 1891 and still retains the pride of being the largest residence in the entire state according to the National Historic Landmark organization. The house measures a remarkable 36,000 square feet.