Louise Sneed Hill

Louise Sneed Hill (ca. June 30, 1862 – March 28, 1955) was an American society leader in Denver, Colorado, in the 19th century. She was the wife of Crawford Hill and daughter-in-law of senator and mining executive Nathaniel P. Hill. She created the first list of socialites in Denver, called the Who's Who in Denver Society, now called the Blue Book. She entertained with lavish parties and card games for an elite group she created called the Sacred 36.

Early years

Louise Sneed was born in Townsville, North Carolina, at about the start of the American Civil War. She was educated in New York City Her father died December 10, 1891, near Townsville. After both of her parents had died, she went to live with an older sister in Memphis, Tennessee. where she met Crawford Hill, the son of Senator Nathaniel P. Hill. Sensing that her daughter-in-law was making a power play, Alice Hale Hill said that she was "sick over Crawford's marriage".

Denver society Hill began her quest to remedy what she saw as a "social wasteland" and to become a member of Denver society, following and surpassing the footsteps of her mother-in-law. Seeking publicity, she courted journalists and sent gifts to those who wrote about her parties. He was a general in the Colorado National Guard and had mining interests in the state. They became involved in a complicated affair. Crawford and Bulkeley also had a close relationship. The three together were a “tight trio.” She is buried at Fairmount Cemetery next to Crawford in the Hill family plot. After her death, Local historian Caroline Bancroft said "There is no Society in Denver anymore".