The Pullman Company

The Pullman Co. traces its beginnings to 1867 when George M. Pullman started a sleeping car service. His service consisted of supplying the linens, housekeeping services and the attendant for the sleeping cars. In the beginning he purchased cars or used the railroad's own cars for this service.

As Pullman's business grew, it became advantageous to build the cars as well as provide the service. In 1880 the Pullman Co. opened its Chicago, Illinois works, to become the largest single railroad car plant in the United States. The Pullman Co. continued to grow and take over other car builders. The end of the railroad passenger car business came in 1979 when Pullman withdrew from the market.

The Pullman Company became world-renowned for the excellent quality of service patrons received from "Pullman" porters and stewards. The Pullman service was a premium service in addition to the standard railroad accomodations. Many Americans will remember the name Pullman as associated with A. Phillip Randolph and the International Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters. Randolph fought many fierce battles to bring racial equality within the Pullman Company and the railroads in general.