The site preserves surviving portions of the industrial complex developed in the early 1880s by George M. Pullman (1831-1897) to build luxury railroad passenger cars. Noted architect Solon S. Beman designed the factory building to be both utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing, in keeping with Pullman’s belief that environment was a crucial force in shaping workers’ character. The plant was the centerpiece of a company-owned town planned under Pullman’s direction, complete with workers’ residences, church, market, and recreational facilities. Pullman’s dream of a model town molding industrious and contented workers failed, and in 1894 his embittered laborers went on strike. American Railway Union workers staged actions in sympathy, leading to the use of federal troops.

Hotel Florence, named for Pullman’s daughter, was constructed as lodging for visiting businessmen and dignitaries. The original portion, built in 1881, is a Queen Anne-style brick and limestone building with a large front veranda. The first floor contained a lobby, women’s parlor, men’s reading and billiards rooms, saloon, dining room and kitchen facilities. On the second, third, and fourth floors were the guestrooms and suites. An extensive annex was constructed in 1914.

The 1880 car manufacturing plant was a 700-foot long Queen Anne-influenced structure of brick with limestone accents. The building consisted of a central core, topped by a clock tower, housing the administrative offices, with construction of the passenger cars taking place in long single-story wings that extended to the north and south. In 1907 an addition was made to the south wing for the fabrication of metal railroad cars.

The factory building and Hotel Florence are located within the Pullman Historic District, which in 1969 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In December 1998 an arson fire gutted the south manufacturing wing and the central administration building; the north wing was less severely damaged. The heavily damaged 1907 south wing was demolished in May 1999.

The Pullman State Historic Site is undergoing long-term restoration -- as construction schedules permit, an interim volunteer-based interpretive program provides tours by special arrangement or by staff as available, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Calling ahead is recommended. The site also features special interest tours of the factory site, regular temporary exhibits, participates in or co-host a number of special events and co-sponsors community programs for all ages and backgrounds.

The Historic Pullman Garden Club, a non profit organization made up of interested local citizens, supports Pullman State Historic Site programs by raising funds through its special events and sales of gift items.

For more information on the site or a complete listing of programs and events, or to visit the Pullman Virtual Museum, visit www.pullman-museum.org