From the legendary media genius who first dreamed of building a magnificent residence to crown his 250,000 acres of undeveloped ranch, and to the skilled and masterful architect who supervised nearly every aspect of construction for more than 28 years, discover the historic people who played pivotal roles in Hearst Castle history.
George Hearst
George Hearst served as a United States Senator from California from 1887 until his death in 1891. During this time he acquired the small San Francisco Examiner as a repayment for a gambling debt.
William Randolph Hearst
Throughout his life, Hearst dreamed of building a dwelling similar to those he had seen on his European tour as a boy. Hearst Castle was to become the realization of this dream as he and architect Julia Morgan collaborated for 28 years to construct a castle worthy of those he saw in Europe. During construction Hearst used the Castle as his primary residence.
