North Oaks in Ramsey County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
James J. Hill's North Oaks Farm
Photographed by McGhiever, May 14, 2013
1. James J. Hill's North Oaks Farm Marker
In 1883, James J. Hill purchased 3,000 acres of land from Charles D. Gilfillan for $50,000. Hill immediately started constructing farm buildings to support his agricultural interest. Payroll records show that in June 1884, there were 347 workers including 67 carpenters, 119 laborers, and 32 brick masons working on the buildings along with 84 teams of horses hauling supplies and 45 men building roads. Orders for almost a million bricks are found in Hill's ledgers.
The primary purpose of North Oaks Farm was to advance his theories on the breeding and feeding of farm animals, crop development, diversified farming and soil conservation. hill used the knowledge acquired from the farm operation to encourage and support the farmers along the Great Northern Railroad which he was in the process of building to the West coast. He theorized that his railroad would bring supplies to farm communities and transport the farmer's wheat and livestock to market. As farmers prospered, so would the railroad.
In the years 1883, 1897 and 1914, Hill imported prize pedigreed cattle from England and Scotland to breed high grade, dual purpose
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Photograph from James J. Hill Manuscripts, Hill Reference Library, St. Paul, Mn.
North Oaks Farm conducted a number of experiments to encourage more efficient and cost effective feeding of cattle. Great Northern trains with lecturers were sent to instruct farmers about plant and animal culture and disease prevention. Seed selected to significantly increase yield was provided free to farmers. Concerned about production on dry western farms, Hill had soil tests conducted at his St. Paul greenhouses. While Hill is best known in the agricultural field for his work with cattle, he also acquired and bred fine horses, swine and sheep. In the 1880's and 1890's, over 6,000 pigs were sent to farmers at a minimal cost.
To present his views on farming, Hill was asked to speak at state and county fairs throughout the Northwest. His demand as a speaker attests to his popularity with the farmers.
North Oaks Farm was the base for James J. Hill's agricultural operations which along with railroads, had a significant impact on the settlement of land from Minnesota to the Pacific coast.
Photograph from James J. Hill Manuscripts, Hill Reference Library, St. Paul, Mn.
Erected by Hill Farm Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 45° 5.548′ N, 93° 6.555′ W. Marker is in North Oaks, Minnesota, in Ramsey County. It can be reached from the intersection of Hill Farm Circle and Red Barn Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 35 Hill Farm Circle, Saint Paul MN 55127, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: James J. Hill, the Empire Builder (here, next to this marker); The Landscape was Shaped by Natural Forces (approx. 2.8 miles away); Who Were the Area's First Inhabitants? (approx. 2.9 miles away); Historic Lake Avenue (approx. 4.7 miles away); American Indian Mounds (approx. 4.8 miles away); The Original Townsite Plat of White Bear Lake (approx. 4.9 miles away); White Bear Lake Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.9 miles away); White Bear Lake Civil War Memorial (approx. 4.9 miles away).
More about this marker. North Oaks Farm is within a private community; non-residents may only access the site during official tours and events.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 45 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 9, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
