Chicago's Pullman National Monument-- Part 3: History

In 1880, George Pullman began construction of his company town, located at the time outside the Chicago city limits.  It was in Pullman that workers -- skilled craftspeople and mechanics, many of whom were immigrants -- constructed Pullman's palace car.

The town featured row houses -- with indoor plumbing -- for workers, a library, school, grocery store and more, all  company owned.

At the time, Pullman was praised for his innovation and planning but criticized for his paternalism.  In 1894, factory workers walked off the job in a massive strike that led to a national recognition of Labor Day.  Decades later, the Pullman porters, who worked on the palace cars, formed the first black labor union with major standing.

"Pullman may appear all glitter and glow, all gladness and glory to the casual visitor, but there is a deep, dark background of miscontent wich it would be idle to deny," the Chicago Tribune reported in 1888, in a quote now emblazoned on the wall of the new visitors center.'

--RoadDog