James J Hill - "The Empire Builder"

James J Hill - "The Empire Builder". . , Originally referred to as the 'Horse Plains' or 'Wild Horse Prairie' by fur traders from the Hudson's Bay Company. As the Great Northern Railway pushed across Montana, Idaho and Washington in the late 1800's, "James J. Hill" also known as "The Empire builder" was looking for such a place that would also allow him to avoid municipal taxation by the City of Spokane and the first Great Northern Train rolled into the area in May of 1892., On October 25th, 1892 a township was platted five miles northeast of Spokane Falls for 5,000 people by Leland D. and Kate C. Westfall. They named the area 'Hill's Yard' in honor of Great Northern magnate James Hill. It was built around the Great Northern Railroad and within three years had acquired 486 residents, a hotel, three churches, and six saloons. By this time the Great Northern Railroad had a 20-stall engine house, paint shop, car shop, blacksmith shop, boiler shop, machine shop, storehouse, and many offices., There was continual talk of incorporating the town in those early years, and in 1895 an incorporation measure was passed by the narrowest of margins: 45 in favor and 44 against. When James Hill heard of this he came to town and threatened that if the incorporation wasn't vacated, only empty buildings would be left by April 1, 1896. Most people bailed on the vote and Hillyard remained its own town until 1904 when the town folk hit on a clever compromise. They incorporated the town of Hillyard leaving the massive rail yards and shops outside of the incorporation area., By 1924, Spokane had grown to the point where it was edging up against Hillyard's borders. Spokane had long been interested in annexation, but Hillyard residents were deeply split. Hillyard voters defeated a March 1924 annexation referendum, 600 to 595. Another election was immediately called. In September 1924, Hillyard residents voted 808 to 681 to become part of Spokane. James Hill was no longer around to protest-he had died in 1916-but he didn't need to. The Great Northern shops remained outside of city limits., Dedicated October 17th, 2020 - CY 6025 , By the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus Irish Kate 1858 Outpost of the Doc Maynard 54-40 Chapter