Pullman is a hidden gem in Chicago, a place that few people know about yet is full of beautiful historic homes and buildings. In February, President Obama was in Chicago to declare Pullman a National Park, creating Chicago’s first. Pullman was built in the 1880s by George Pullman as a company town for his Pullman Palace Car Company.
Image courtesy of Chicago Tribune.
George Pullman believed in building a community for his workers, so he built the factory, administration building and housing for the workers all in one place. Solon Spencer Beman served as Pullman’s architect for the Town.
Image courtesy of Chuckman.
The houses were comfortable by contemporary standards. They included amenities such as indoor plumbing, gas and sewers.
Image courtesy of Pullman Museum.
Pullman has had a tumultuous history. In 1894, the Pullman Strike lasted two months, forcing federal intervention. When George Pullman died in 1897, his coffin was sealed inside a block of cement to prevent disgruntled former employees from tampering with it. In 1925, Pullman was the home of the first African American Labor Union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.
Image courtesy of the Pullman Museum.
In 1889, Pullman was annexed by the City of Chicago. The city eventually sold the homes to the residents. Pullman was designated a National Landmark Historic District in 1969. In 1970, the State of Illinois designated it a State Landmark. Chicago followed suit in 1972, declaring it a City of Chicago Landmark. And now the location has received federal recognition with its recent National Park designation!
Image courtesy of Pullman Museum.
