Established as a National Monument in 2015, Pullman National Monument protects the historic Pullman District of Chicago. The area had it’s start as a company town for the Pullman Company; a manufacturer of Railroad Cars from the mid-19th to mid-20th Century. Pullman was famous for the invention of the sleeper car. The site was originally designated as a Historic Place in 1969.
History of the Pullman Company
The Park tells the story of one of the first planned industrial cities in the United States (the first being Patterson NJ). George M. Pullman, an engineer and industrialist became inspired to design an update to existing rail cars after sleeping in his seat on a trip across New York State. Through his work he designed the first sleeper car for use on railways. George Pullman founded his company Pullman “Palace Car” Company in 1862 to design and manufacturer these sleeper cars. Known for Luxury, these palace cars were found across the US on various train lines. Pullman even invented special wheels to reduce the noise of travel. Pullman train cars became synonymous with sleeper cars, with such cars being called Pullmans for many years.
The Pullman Company Town
While the Pullman neighborhood is now part of Chicago, when George Pullman bought 4,000 acres for his factory and company town they were outside of Chicago. Pullman found that the demands for the new factory gave me a great opportunity to integrate a community with the factory to improve employee well-being and industrial efficiency.
Pullman planned to build the new factory and company town on this land. Approximately 1300 housing units were designed and built for company employees. These large brick row-home buildings, while basic for today standards, were spacious and a big improvement over the tenement housing most of the employees were accustomed to.
The company set rents for the town to obtain a 6% profit above construction & operating costs. The community peaked at about 8000 residents.
Pullman Company and Town Decline
Years later, the city of Chicago annexed Pullman’s town into the city of Chicago (where it still is today), and the hope of profitability and success failed. However, the site did become a popular tourist attraction for visitors coming to see this planned town.
Things started to unravel as demand for sleeper cars waned. The company forced to cut hours and wages with the lower demand from industry. However, even with the cut in hours and wages, rents for the houses didn’t decrease as Pullman Company tried to maintain profitability of the town. Many members of Pullman joined the larger American Railway Union (ARU) to collectively bargain. But, with pleas falling on deaf ears, in 1894, they went on strike.
The disruption spread across the country to passenger and cargo travel. Disruptions to mail prompted President Grover Cleveland to call in the Army. Unionization showed the ability of workers to affect industry and the country. Years later the Union of African American workers began with the foundation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. This was a momentous step in recognition and respect for African American Workers. More than half of Pullman’s employees through the years were African Americans, however they could not reside in the Pullman Town.
Places to Visit at Pullman National Monument
There are quite a few sites that visitors can visit during their time at Pullman. Many of these are existing historic buildings from the factory and town.
Administration-Clock Tower Building
Address: 11001 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
The most distinctive building in the area, built in 1881, the Administration Clock Tower Building was the administrative center of the site. Overlooking Lake Vista (a cooling reservoir), the site has such an ornate feel in a beautiful park-like setting. Sadly, an arsonist in 1998 seriously damaged the building and much of the tower and clock required rebuilding. These days the building serves as the Pullman NM Visitor Center.
Historic Pullman Foundation Pullman Exhibit Hall
Address: 11141 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
Another great stop on the tour. The Pullman Exhibit Hall also acts as a visitor center for tourists to the site. The site has great number of volunteers who can speak at the site as well as exhibits from the time. It’s a great way to learn about the company and the African American history as well.
Hotel Florence
Address: 11111 S. Forrestville Ave., Chicago, Illinois
Built in 1881, the Hotel Florence was 50 room hotel was the former hotel of the town. Named for George’s daughter, the hotel cost approximately $100,000 to build. Opened in 1881, the hotel was sold once the company divested the town in 1897. The hotel remained in operation for years and the Historic Pullman Foundation purchased and saved it from demolition in 1975.
Greenstone Church
Address: 11211 South St. Lawrence St. Chicago, IL 60628
Built in 1882, the Greenstone Church was one of the original buildings planned for the new town. The distinctive green stone was specially brought in from Pennsylvania for the design. Much of the original church still exists from it’s construction in 1882 and the church can seat 600. A Methodist congregation purchased the church after Pullman divested much of the town.
Pullman Homes
Pullman built over 1300 rowhomes during construction of the overall planned town. These days all of the remaining homes are in private hands. Thankfully during the 1970s the city imposed protections on the original facades of the homes. These days you can see the homes throughout the area around Pullman NM. However, you’ll need to know someone to see inside.
Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum
Address: 10406 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
Founded in 1995, the museum follows much of the history of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) union. Even though many of Pullman’s workers were African American, they lacked in representation prior to the union formation. The union houses many exhibits and information about the people and works of Pullman and the Union.
Visiting the Sites
Visiting and wandering the sites are probably the best things to do during your time here. The exhibits are fascinating as well given that I knew nothing about the company or the people who made up it. Even though I know a lot about sleeper cars!
The African American history was especially interesting. I think that’s one of the reasons they also petitioned Obama for additional protection. Learning about the workers, many former emancipated slaves and their struggle for recognition and respect.
The grounds of the area are actually quite lovely and the buildings are worth exploring. Sadly the Hotel seems to be closed (possibly for awhile) but you can still sit and enjoy the grounds and the hotel patio. There’s a lot of construction and renovation so be warned that more things may be closed during your stay.
In terms of time, it’s worth a quick stop if it’s on your way. Or if you are a National Park completionist like myself. The National Monument is only one of two NPS sites in Illinois (in addition to 3 National Trails that traverse the state)
Basic Information
Address
610 E. 111th Street Chicago, IL 60628
Hours
The Park is technically open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily. Which applies to many of the buildings (when open). However, given that area is a living, breathing neighborhood and much of it outdoors, you can explore whenever you are in the area.
Pullman National Monument Visitor Centers
Administration Clock Tower Building Visitor Center
Located on E. 11th Street and S. Cottage Grove Ave, the Administration Clock Tower Building Visitor Center is the best first place to stop for visitors. The Visitor Center has rangers, information, and exhibits for the site. This was closed recently for renovation, so be sure it’s open.
Open: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
Historic Pullman Foundation Pullman Exhibit Hall
Located at Cottage Grove and 112th Street, Rangers, Volunteers, and Partners are available to answer questions about Pullman and the sites. Be sure to check out the various exhibits and film as well.
Open: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
Fees
Free
National Park Passport Stamp
There is a cancellation stamp for this site that is located at the visitor centers above.
Website: Official NPS Website
Getting There
The National Monument is located in the South Side of Chicago Illinois near Lake Calumet.
From the East
Take I-94W to exit 66 towards 111th Street. After about .6 miles turn right onto S. Cottage Grove Drive
From West:
Take I-94E to exit 66A for 111th St. Turn right onto 111th St. After about .6 miles turn right onto S. Cottage Grove Drive
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