Pullman National Historical Park, Driftless Area Travel Guide

Pullman National Historical Park, located 13 miles south of downtown Chicago, offers a unique window into American history. This preserved district was the first planned industrial community in the United States, founded in 1880 by George Pullman to house the workers of his Pullman Palace Car Company. Designed by architect Solon S. Beman and landscape architect Nathan Barrett, the 300-acre town provided a comprehensive living environment for employees, complete with housing, shops, and recreational facilities.The park tells the story of urban planning, industrial innovation, and the American labor movement. Visit the Pullman Administration Clock Tower Building, which serves as the visitor center, to learn about the town's history through exhibits and ranger-led tours. Explore the historic Hotel Florence, named after George Pullman's daughter, and the Greenstone Church, remnants of the original town.Pullman's history is also marked by significant labor unrest. The 1894 Pullman Strike, a response to wage cuts and economic hardship, became a pivotal moment in American labor history, eventually leading to the creation of Labor Day. The park also recognizes the legacy of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African American union, which fought for better wages and working conditions for Pullman's Black employees.Today, Pullman National Historical Park offers visitors a chance to walk the red-brick streets, tour historic buildings, and reflect on the complex legacy of this unique community.