The story of Pullman is the story of America. It's a story of vision, success, betrayal, bitter hardship, decline and eventually rebirth.
Vision
George Pullman learned about tight sleeping quarters while working on the Erie canal.Back in America on an painful overnight train ride Pullman envisioned his future. George would go on to build luxury overnight rail cars.His next vision was of a town for his workers.
Success
In 1882, George Pullman built a company town complete with residences, churches,schools,parks, library, shops and hospital. All Pullman homes had indoor toilets,running water & gas. Advantages not found in other working class areas of the city.
Hardship
Pullman's town prospered for fourteen years until the depression of 1894.In an effort to maintain profits, Pullman cut wages, but not rent or prices in his company town.
Betrayal
His failure to lower workers cost of living while lowering their wages led to the Pullman Strike. To break the strike he called on his friend Grover Cleveland. Federal troops were brought in and killed 40 workers. Upon his death in 1897, George Pullman was so dispised, his body was moved to Graceland cemetary under the cover of darkness. To prevent desecration of his remains, his body buried under 18 inches of reinforced concrete.
Decline
The last rail car rolled off of the Pullman line in 1981. On December 2, 1998 the Pullman factory and clock tower burned.
Rebirth
Since the fire, the clock tower has been rebuilt. A walmart opened. Homes are being rehabed. The clock tower site now a state and city historic site - is becoming a National Park.
So go down to Pullman and take a walking tour. We can learn alot about ourselves by looking at the past
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"Chicago Video Log","David Moskow","pullman district",Pullman,"Erie canal",America,"rail car","company town",churches,school,parks,,"Pullman Strike","Grover Cleveland",Federal troops","reinforced concrete",walmart,"National Park"Graceland Cemetery
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