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The Empire Builder: James J. Hill and The Great Northern Railway

The Empire Builder: James J. Hill and The Great Northern Railway

★ 7.0/10•2022•4h 5m•Documentary
Similars

A 4-part documentary series capturing the compelling story of James J. Hill and the Great Northern Railway.

Stephen Sadis · Director

Kyle Kegley · Director

StatusEnded
Runtime4h 5m
LanguageEN
First Air DateSep 30, 2022

Episodes

E156m

Episode One

Seventeen-year-old Canadian immigrant James J. Hill arrives in St. Paul, Minnesota. Working song the waterfront, he immerses himself in the Mississippi River trade and, within ten years, starts his first business. An opportunity strikes when the St. Paul and Pacific Railway goes bankrupt for the third time. Hill convinces a group of associates to make a play for the railroad.

Sep 30, 2022

E263m

Episode Two

Hill takes the biggest gamble of his career. He decides to build west, despite existing transcontinental lines to the north and south. To get there, he must cross two mountain ranges, lay hundreds of miles of track, and convince Congress to gain access to Indian territory.

Oct 7, 2022

E358m

Episode Three

Hill faces striking workers and American Railway Union President Eugene Debs. Hill recruits JP Morgan to add the Northern Pacific to his empire. A fight for control of the Northern Pacific pits Hill against railroad tycoon E. H. Harriman in an epic stock battle that sends Wall Street into a tailspin. A young President, Theodore Roosevelt, seeks to curtail Hill's power.

Oct 14, 2022

E468m

Episode Four

Hill turn Seattle into an international port by opening up trade with Asia. Encouraged by Great Northern agents, immigrants from Europe, settle in Montana and North Dakota. Hill expands into Oregon, facing Harriman once again in "The Last of the Great Railroad Wars." Hill's son, Louis, takes the reins of the Great Northern and develops Glacier National Park. Hill backs environmental conservation and secures a loan to the Allies during World War I.

Oct 21, 2022

Actors

Clay Jenkinson

Narrator

Sam A. Mowry

James J. Hill (voice)

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