Pullman encompasses a much wider area than its two historic areas (the older historic area is often referred to as “Pullman” and is a Chicago Landmark district and a National Monument, as well as the northern annex historic area which is usually referred to as North Pullman.
The neighborhood began in 1881 as a planned city for the Pullman Palace Car Company. Following a magazine exposé and a worker’s strike due to wages cut during he Great Depression while rents (in residences owned by Pullman) were not decreased. Additionally, the company paid out dividends to shareholders while workers total income was reduced further angering workers. The Pullman Strike happened in 1894, resulting in the Illinois State Supreme Court ordering the company to unload residential property in Pullman neighborhood. By 1910, it was incorporated into Chicago.
The 20th century saw industrialization and railroad jobs move to the city, as was common with other areas, encouraging residents to relocate to suburban housing for new opportunities and new housing. Pullman was on the verge of becoming an industrial park before residents rallied to save the neighborhood.
The Pullman Historic District, the model city constructed by George Pullman, has been declared a national, state and city historic landmark to protect 900 rowhouses built by Pullman. Road to Perdition (2002, which featured starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman) was shot in the historic factory town, and the 1993 film The Fugitive and the 2007, film The Express were also filmed in the neighborhood.
The area is serviced by the Metra as well as the I-94.
