Pullman Historical DistrictApprox. Time: 3 hours
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

The majority of the town was built between 1880 and 1884. It was designed by architect Solon Spencer Beman and landscape architect Nathan Barrett. The factory buildings were located in the center of the town. Dominating the large industrial complex was the Administration and Clock Tower building. The housing was built to the south and to the north of the factory buildings. Well-constructed brick homes were built with many modern (by 1880 standards) conveniences including indoor plumbing, a sewage system for the town, regular garbage pick-up, and gas heat. The homes were rented to employees of the Pullman Company. The streets were pleasantly landscaped and maintained by the company. The town was built as a "model" community complete with public facilities such as a hotel, a stable, a school, office buildings and a church. The Arcade building and Market Hall rented space to private businesses such as the Pullman Bank, meat markets, bakeries, clothing stores, etc. A library and theater were located in the Arcade building as were meeting halls. Parks and recreational facilities were also provided.

Because of the effort of dedicated Pullmanites, Pullman became a state landmark district in 1969, a national landmark district in 1971 and a city of Chicago landmark district in 1972. Today Pullman stands as a monument to George M. Pullman. The majority of the original buildings in the town of Pullman are still standing, more than 100 years after it was first built. Hundreds of Pullman homes have had both interior and exterior renovation and restoration thus allowing the visitor to see the town as it once was.