The library is part of the civic legacy of James J. Hill.

James J. Hill joined forces with Morgan and others to gain control of the Northern Pacific.

Its mortgage was held by James J. Hill and the Great Northern Railway.

James J. Hill lived there from 1901-6.

After James J. Hill died in 1916 and his wife died in 1921, the children eventually moved out.

James J. Hill challenged local business owners to raise $50,000 to route the line through Princeton.

All but the Great Northern of James J. Hill relied on land grants.

James J. Hill, a member, hosted his 67th birthday at the club.

James J. Hill inaugurated this route, driving a golden spike in Bend in 1912.

By the time of his death in 1916, James J. Hill was worth more than $53 million (almost $2.5 billion (2007) dollars).