In the southeastern outskirts of Chicago lies a neighborhood as distinct as Old Town and as steeped in history as any in the city: Pullman. Originally established as a separate village in the early 1880s, it became part of Chicago before 1900.

The streets are lined with rows of two-story houses, boasting charming architecture reminiscent of European styles—cupolas, cornices, dormers, and gables. These homes were meticulously crafted by George M. Pullman, whose Pullman Palace Car company was renowned for producing railroad passenger and freight cars. Pullman maintained complete ownership of the town, including every inch of land, every brick, and even the church. Residence in Pullman was contingent upon employment with the company, whether in the Palace Car company itself, in the brickyards for additional housing, or on the company's nearby farm.

Despite its idyllic appearance, Pullman was not immune to strife. The community was rocked by a significant strike in 1894, a pivotal moment in American labor history marked by the intervention of federal troops, casualties, and the rise of Eugene Debs to national prominence. The village underwent irreversible change thereafter, with its founder's passing, the privatization of homes following a court ruling, and the gradual fading of its paternalistic model from memory.

However, the spirit of Pullman persisted. Its resilient homes, constructed since 1881, and the Pullman company, later known as Pullman-Standard, continued manufacturing railroad cars on-site until the early 1980s. The community, which boasted around 8,000 residents at its peak, still retains a population of approximately 8,600 today, many tracing their lineage back to the town's early inhabitants.

Efforts led by John Ertsman, a member of the Pullman Civic Organization, sought to have Pullman recognized as a national landmark, highlighting its significance as the nation's first planned cosmopolitan town west of Washington, D.C. Ertsman envisioned a transportation museum as a cornerstone of the community's historical preservation.
In 1896, Pullman earned international accolades at an exposition in Prague, being hailed as the most perfect town in the world. However, despite its architectural splendor, Pullman's landscape has evolved over time. The Greenstone Church, a gem among its public buildings, stands as a testament to its former glory, now Methodist after its interdenominational origins.

Adjacent to the church lies the old Market Square, adorned with Moresque stone columns, a relic of Pullman's past charm. The Florence Hotel, dubbed the "Grand Old Lady of 111th Street," once hosted Pullman himself and now serves as a residence for retired workers.

The village's clock tower, towering above the original administration building, serves as a local landmark, while vestiges of its past, like the stable-turned-garage on Cottage Grove Avenue, evoke nostalgia.
Despite the community's architectural heritage, preservation efforts face challenges, with some residents inadvertently altering the historic character of their homes. Gilbert Harvey, an interior designer and preservationist, lamented the resistance to change among Pullmanites, even as he worked tirelessly to attract newcomers and maintain the village's charm.

The village's origins trace back to George Pullman's vision of creating a model community for his workers, offering amenities rare for the time. However, this paternalistic approach ultimately led to the unrest culminating in the strike of 1894, which dealt a blow to Pullman's authority and marked the beginning of its transformation.

Today, Pullman stands as a unique blend of history and resilience, its architectural continuity a testament to its storied past. Efforts to preserve its character continue, with debates over its recognition as a national landmark and the ongoing challenge of maintaining its architectural integrity in a changing landscape. Despite the complexities, Pullman remains a stable and cherished community, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of American industrial history.

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