The Crawford Hill house is significant to the social history of Denver as home to one of Denver's most conspicuous socialite families and as its "social capitol." This house was designed and built in 1906 by architect Terry Boal and decorated by Louise Hill. Although the front porch faces 10th Avenue, the house was originally addressed 969 Sherman Street, because Sherman Street was on a direct axis to the State Capitol. It was assumed that the Sherman Street address gave more credibility to the residence, and its political and social stature.
Crawford Hill was the son of Nathaniel Peter Hill, most notably the founder of Colorado's smelting industry. Crawford Hill's mother was one of the original founders of the Young Women's Christian Association of America (YWCA). In 1895, Crawford Hill, a life-long Republican, married Louise Bethel Sneed, the daughter of a Memphis aristocratic family. As such, Louise Hill was familiar with all the rules of high society. She resolved to become Denver's social leader and ultimately ruled over Denver's social elite for more than 30 years.