Chicago's Pullman Historic Landmark District

Written by Julie Greiner

Chicago's Historic Pullman District is one of the areas finest examples architecture and life in the 1880s. The town of Pullman was one of America's first planned communities, developed in 1880 by railcar builder George M. Pullman. In 1867 George M. Pullman purchased some 4,000 acres west of Lake Calumet and the Illinois Central Railroad to build his model town in 1880. In the center of town was the railroad car business where Pullman train cars were built. The town included public facilities such as stores

Photo Courtesy Pullman Historic Society

and offices leased to private businesses housed in the Arcade building and Market Hall. The housing was modern to 1880's standards and included indoor plumbing, sewage and gas service. From 1881-1894, Pullman won international awards as the "World's Most Perfect Town".

Chicago Landmarks in Pullman

The Pullman Clock Tower/Administration Building and Front Erection Shops were built in 1880. This was the original headquarters of the Pullman Palace Car Company located in the center of the City of Pullman. The Market Hall and Circle building contained sixteen rental stalls where one could purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and baked goods. The original Market Hall was destroyed by fire in 1892 and was rebuilt immediately. At this time, the adjacent apartments were erected to house George Pullman's personal and business friends during the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. The Greenstone

Photo Courtesy Pullman Historic Society

Church was constructed in 1881 of Serpentine rock from Pennsylvania. The original cherry woodwork, stained glass windows and Steere and Turner organ are still in excellent condition. The Greenstone Church still offers worship services to the present day. The Hotel Florence located at 11111 South Forrestville, Chicago, Illinois 60628, is the community's crown jewel and grants visitors a firsthand glimpse into the past. Open daily, the restaurant offers dining in a unique Victorian atmosphere. The second floor museum features George Pullman's private suite and several rooms decorated with original Eastlake furnishings.

The Demise of a City

The Town of Pullman prospered for fourteen years until the great depression. The famous Pullman Strike occurred in 1894, and George M. Pullman died in 1897, and shortly thereafter the non-industrial property was sold to private individuals due to a Supreme Court ruling. The town of Pullman was annexed by the City of Chicago in 1889. The whole town was threatened with demolition in 1960, but was saved by the residents who formed the Pullman Civic Organization. Pullman became a State Landmark in 1969, a National Landmark District in 1971 and a City of Chicago Landmark in 1972.

Group tours of the Historic Pullman District are offered year-round. There is a fully equipped Pullman Visitor Center in the old American Legion Hall. An extensive exhibit titled: Pullman... The Man, The Car, The Company, The Model Tow, The Strike, The Landmark Community in Chicago and a 20 minute audio/visual presentation is offered. For more information on tours call: (312) 785-8181.