What were Pullman towns?
Pullman, Illinois: An ambitious social experiment that failed. In 1884, George Pullman completed construction of a new manufacturing complex and town on 4,000 acres of land south of Chicago for the employees of his flourishing Pullman Palace Car Co., founded in 1867 to build luxury railroad sleeping cars.
Why was Pullman Illinois a unique town?
Pullman Company was a factory that produced top of the line luxury railway passenger cars. Pullman Co. could also tax the citizens as well, making them more money. Pullman has been compared to Chernobyl, a city where almost the entire population is related through a company or factory.
When did Pullman go out of business?
Dingman, in late 1980, which led to the separation of Pullman interests in early and mid-1981. Operations of the Pullman Company sleeper cars ceased and all leases were terminated on December 31, 1968. On January 1, 1969, the Pullman Company was dissolved and all assets were liquidated.
What was wrong with the Pullman railroad car company?
During the Panic of 1893, Pullman closed his manufacturing plant in Detroit in order to move all manufacturing to Pullman. Due to the soft economic conditions of this period, the Pullman Co. reduced wages and laid off employees. Though wages were reduced, residential utility rates and rents remained unchanged.
Why did Pullman not reduce rent?
The income from the rent was so low that there was no room for reducing the rent. And, as I explained to the men, there was no necessary connection between the employment of men and the renting of homes. They had the privilege of living where they chose….
Is the Pullman company still in business?
The company closed its factory in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago in 1955. The company ceased production after the Amtrak Superliner cars in 1982 and its remaining designs were purchased in 1987 when it was absorbed by Bombardier.
Where was the Pullman Company built in Illinois?
The company built Pullman, Illinois on 4,000 acres (1,600 ha), 14 mi (23 km) south of Chicago, contracting Solon Spencer Beman for design and Nathan F. Barrett for landscaping.
How did the town of Pullman get its name?
It was similar in theory to Essen, Germany, created by the Krupp Munitions Company, and to Saltaire, England, developed by Sir Titus Salt for the workers in his textile factory on the banks of the Aire River. Early in 1880 Pullman sent Colonel James to secretly purchase 4000 acres of land west of Lake Calumet for $800,000.
Where was the Pullman Palace Car Company located?
Demand for Pullman cars and a growing workforce led Pullman to the development of his company town. The Pullman Palace Car Company purchased 4,000 acres for its town and factory between Lake Calumet and the Illinois Central rail line south of Chicago.
How much did it cost to live in Pullman?
The Original Town of Pullman was completed in 1884. The average rent for three room apartments was $8.00 to $8.50. The rent for a five-room row house (with basement, bathroom, and water faucet on each of two floors) was $18.00 per month.
