James J. Hill

James J. Hill was a prominent American businessman known as the "Empire Builder." He was a railroad magnate who built and operated the Great Northern Railway, connecting Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest. Hill was praised for his integrity, financial discipline, and successful development of profitable rail lines without government aid. His leadership helped boost commerce, settlement, and growth in the northern United States. Hill’s approach emphasized efficiency and sound management, making him a key figure in the expansion of America's transportation infrastructure during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.