Hull House was a pioneering settlement house founded in 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr in Chicago, Illinois. It aimed to provide social and educational opportunities for immigrants and the urban poor, offering services such as childcare, cultural programs, and vocational training. Over the years, Hull House became a hub for social reform and activism, addressing issues like labor rights, women's suffrage, and education. It played a crucial role in shaping social work as a profession and inspired similar initiatives across the United States.