Pullman National Monument Snags Award to Expand Tourism

Wanda Wright CNW Staff Writer

Melodic prose written into lore of a people seeking their freedom is a part of the many stories still celebrated in Pullman Park on Chicago’s Southside. Despite the disparities that minorities faced once they reached Pullman, history has a way of creating opportunity out of outright disparagement. Today we are reminded of the actions of Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr to author and carry a Congressional Bill to carve Pullman into a National Park in 2012. That effort was permanently etched into law by President Obama in 2015 carving Pullman into history. Today congresswoman Robyn Kelly along with Governor J.B. Pritzker has diligently worked with local legislators, businesses and residents to intensely drive the site into an exhilarating, experience.

In Dec. 2022, Pullman National Park snagged part of a $5.5 million grant to increase tourism to underrepresented communities. Pullman historically remains one of the most illustrious industrious communities in America heralded for its comprehensive design and architectural function as one of 5 national parks in the State of Illinois. George Pullman built Pullman Rail

Cars for the burgeoning industry that required the labor of thousands across its production cycle. News of opportunity attracted job seekers of every race and gender regardless of economic status from across America and beyond. Convenient access to the Park has become a part of Chicago’s “must see” attractions such as The “Bean”, Chicago Cultural Center and Chicago Museums. Educationally the park serves as a major source of research for educational institutions such as Loyola University for Environmental, Industrial and Urban environmental studies.

Dark Days filled the “slave-like” schedule of the Pullman Porters. George Pullman had an austere management practice where Porters worked 400 hours per month on barely four hours of sleep per 3-4 day shift.

Pullman considered them as “equipment” like the rest of his machines. Although suffering low wages and racial abuse, the Porters provided extraordinary service. Not only did they provide links to hope and opportunity in the North by smuggling newspapers south, but they also created a middle class for Black Chicago. Part of the Tourism Grant will help this Federally Earmarked Museum to double its size and become ADA compliant with Handicap access.

Part of the Pullman National Park Service (NPSP) program features interactive exhibits and curated and self-guided tours with the assistance of uniformed Park Rangers. According to the Manager Teri Gage, there are plans to expand the entire area from 103rd Pullman Porter Museum, to the Cottage Grove location and beyond as a comprehensive walking tour of the area encompassing the architecture with Public Art that showcase antiquities that have been preserved by the Pullman Foundation, a separate entity financed by residents. Metra is slated to build its existing station at 111th to “cross tracks” as the Red line extension progresses.

The main facility will eventually expand to event space and a staging unit for various functions on the property as Pullman Cars are restored and permanently housed on the park service property. Spring 2023 will find the area welcoming a cozy Coffee shop on Florence Avenue, the construction of a Black-owned Hotel, and a Coffee Brewery on 111th.