Historic People of Hearst Castle

William Randolph Hearst, the man behind Hearst Castle, is an important figure from the twentieth century whose influence extended to publishing, politics, Hollywood, the art world and everyday American life. His power and vision allowed him to pursue one of… Read More

March 6, 2002 In 1903 controversial publisher and aspiring politician William Randolph Hearst married 22 year-old Millicent Willson, the daughter of George Willson and Hannah Murray Willson. Following in the footsteps of their father, a moderately successful vaudevillian, Millicent and… Read More

Julia Morgan was born in San Francisco on January 20, 1872 and grew up in nearby Oakland. She was the second child of Charles Bill and Eliza Parmelee Morgan. Miss Morgan was one of the first women to graduate from… Read More

Marion Davies was born Marion Cecilia Douras in Brooklyn, New York on January 3, 1897. She was the youngest of five children born to Bernard and Rose Douras. Watching her sister achieve success in show business turned Marion’s inclinations toward… Read More

Phoebe Apperson Hearst was born 1842 in Franklin County, Missouri. Before marrying 41 year old George Hearst at the age of 19, Miss Apperson worked as a teacher in area schools. Soon after their marriage the couple moved to San… Read More

George Hearst was born and raised in Franklin County, Missouri in 1820. Growing up he received very little in the way of formal education but he did learn a lot about the so-called “lay of the land,” particularly in regards… Read More