North Oaks Farm

North Oaks Farm, also known as Hill Farm, is currently an open-air museum in North Oaks, Minnesota, United States, preserving buildings of a 3300acre demonstration farm established by railroad magnate James J. Hill in 1883. Elements of the farm were listed on the National Register of Historic Places as James J. Hill's North Oaks Farm, Dairy Building in 1999.In the Dairy Building, Hill had installed a DeLaval separator and barrel churns, which automated the production of butter, using centrifugal force powered by a steam engine. The operation was a forerunner of the modern commercial butter-making industry.At the Blacksmith and Machine Shop horses were shod and hinges and wagon wheels were constructed for use on the farm.HistoryIn 1883 James J. Hill purchased 3,500 acres of land in Ramsey County for $50,000 which would become North Oaks Farm. Later, Hill purchased additional land that expanded the farm to nearly 5,500 acres.For the first ten years, the North Oaks Farm operated as a stock farm and base for Hill’s efforts to breed a dual-purpose cow. The concept of breeding beef cows that would also produce milk was very popular during this time. Although Hill invested an enormous amount of money to breed a hybrid beef/dairy cow, his dairy results were marginal, while the beef was considered excellent. It seemed impossible at the time to have a cow that could be exceptional at both. However, the experience Hill and his workers received during this endeavor went on to help them in other ways. The North Oaks Farm gained a reputation for breeding exceptional beef cattle. Each year his Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn cows from North Oaks would travel by train to Chicago to take part in the Fat Stock Show. The cattle won several prizes at the show over the years. In 1889 alone his Aberdeen Angus brought home $700 in prizes from Chicago.