Celebrating History: Empire Builder passes to beyond

By Emily Mayer

Havre newspapers 100 years ago carried the sad news that James J. Hill, namesake of our county, had passed away. A very large article was published on the front page of The Havre Plaindealer’s June 3, 1916 issue. After the headline, the first three paragraphs read:

GREAT “EMPIRE BUILDER” PASSES TO THE BEYOND

James J. Hill, the King of Financiers Dies at His Home in St. Paul

At his home in St. Paul last Monday morning occurred the death of Jas. J. Hill, founder of the Great Northern railroad and allied interests.

Funeral services for the “Empire Builder”, as he as...