A Short Biography of Conrad Hilton - By: Peter Merifield

Conrad Nicholson Hilton was an American businessman born in 1887, and famous for establishing the Hilton chain of hotels. From the first hotel in Dallas, to newer British hotels in Derby and Liverpool, the company has gone from strength to strength over the years, blossoming into a vast, international chain.

Born in San Antonio, New Mexico, Hilton’s father was a Norwegian immigrant, while his mother was a devout Catholic of German descent. He was one of seven siblings, and soon distinguished himself as he studied diligently at the New Mexico School of Mines. By his early twenties, Hilton was a Republican representative at the first ever New Mexico Legislature, and spent a few years serving in the US army during World War I.

Ever the devout Catholic, Hilton applied his faith to all aspects of life. He developed strong entrepreneurial skills during the time he spent working at his father’s Socorro County store, and in 1919, he bought his first hotel – a 40-room property in Cisco, Texas, known as the Mobley Hotel.

From here he went on to buy a number of hotels across Texas. The first high-rise hotel to bear the Hilton brand was the Dallas Hilton, a luxurious property which opened its doors to the public in 1925. This was swiftly followed by more purchases across Texas over the next few years, and by 1939 Hilton had branched into New Mexico as well.

Despite facing severe financial problems during the Great Depression, Hilton persevered, and in 1946 he founded the Hilton Hotels Corporation. Conrad Hilton died in 1979, by which point he owned 188 hotels spread across 38 US cities.

In recent years, the development of the Hampton by Hilton brand has seen the opening of new hotels across the length and breadth of Great Britain; including hotels in Corby, Birmingham and Braintree. The name Hilton has become synonymous with comfort and convenience, and Hilton’s hotels stand as a proud legacy to one of the most successful entrepreneurs of the twentieth century.

About the Author

Peter Merifield is a London-based freelance journalist with a mission to make you a better and happier human being. Drawing attention to the peculiarities of life in the modern age is all part of the package. Check out his other articles for everything you need to know about travel destinations and hotels.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Peter-Merifield/144557

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