Since opening to the public in 1958, millions of visitors have enjoyed Hearst Castle's architectural majesty and beautiful location. The estate was formerly the business headquarters and private home of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, one of the wealthiest and most influential people of the 20th century. His transformation of a portion of the family cattle ranch into "La Cuesta Encantada", (The Enchented Hill) was a nearly 30-year process that began in 1919. During the Golden Ages of the 1920s and 1930s, it became the legendary gathering place for Mr. Hearst to entertain many of the era's most renowned celebrities amid the elaborately ornate buildings, pools and art-filled gardens. This Illustrated History features hundreds of archival and contemporary photographs to present a comprehensive chronology that brings the past and present to life.