Exploring Pullman National Monument: A Hidden Gem of Black History in Chicago

A First-Time Visit to a Historic Treasure

For years, I’ve lived in Chicago, surrounded by so much history, and yet I had never made the trip to the Pullman National Monument—until now. On a bright and breezy afternoon, my husband and I packed up our two boys and finally went. We didn’t know quite what to expect, but what we found was a powerful and emotional reminder of how deeply Black labor, dignity, and resistance are rooted in the American story.

Pullman isn’t just another museum. It’s a living memory, a neighborhood, a factory site, a monument—preserved to honor the struggles and victories of Black workers who helped shape not only the railroad industry but the civil rights movement itself.

The Legacy of the Pullman Porters

The story of the Pullman Porters is one of pride and perseverance. After the Civil War, the Pullman Company hired thousands of Black men, many formerly enslaved, to serve as porters on luxury train cars. Though the jobs were demanding and often demeaning, these men carried themselves with excellence and professionalism. They were known for impeccable service, but behind the smiles was a different story: long hours, low pay, and constant surveillance.

One name that stood tall throughout our visit was A. Philip Randolph—the visionary who organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African American labor union to win a contract with a major U.S. corporation. His leadership wasn’t just about better wages—it was about justice, dignity, and the belief that Black workers deserved the same rights and protections as anyone else.

Our boys were fascinated by the uniforms, the black-and-white photos, and the life-sized posters of porters standing tall in their caps and jackets. I saw in their eyes the awe of learning something new, and the pride of seeing themselves reflected in history.

Walking Through the Neighborhood

We didn’t just tour exhibits—we walked the streets where workers lived. The brick row houses in the Pullman neighborhood were built in the 1880s as part of George Pullman’s “model town.” The homes were beautifully designed, with decorative details and small front porches, some of which are still lovingly maintained today. We saw families gardening, neighbors chatting, and kids playing—proof that this historic community still breathes.

Something was grounding about walking these blocks. It reminded me that these weren't just workers—they were parents, homeowners, churchgoers, and neighbors. Black history doesn’t just live in museums; it lives in spaces, in families, in blocks like these.

Riding Through the Past

While we missed the chance to ride the historic train cars—those had ended by the time we arrived—we were able to step aboard a vintage bus from the era of Rosa Parks. The moment I walked in, I felt transported. Everything from the seat design to the advertisements above gave us a glimpse of life in the 1950s.

The boys immediately noticed how small the seats were and how the windows slid open. We talked about segregation, about what it meant for Rosa Parks to refuse to give up her seat, and why riding this bus today mattered. For them, it was more than just a ride. It was a moment of connection—a way to feel the past rather than just read about it.

A Family Moment That Mattered

One of the things I loved most was how engaged my boys were. They brought along their National Park Passports, a small but meaningful ritual we’ve started as a family. They stamped their books with pride, adding another historic site to their growing list of adventures.

They asked questions. They looked closely. And they walked away understanding that the stories of the past aren't just about other people—they’re about us. They're about them.

I think as parents, especially Black parents, we carry this responsibility to make sure our kids know where they come from—not just the pain, but the power. Pullman gave us that space.

Why This Place Matters

In 2015, President Barack Obama designated the Pullman site as a National Monument, making it the first National Park Service location in Chicago. That in itself is historic. The preservation of Pullman is a victory for Black labor history, for working-class stories, and for communities that often go overlooked.

And yet, many people still don’t know about it. Many Chicagoans have never visited. That’s why it’s so important to spread the word. To teach our children. To show up in these spaces and claim the history that belongs to all of us.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, eye-opening, and family-friendly way to connect with Black history, this is it. Visit Pullman. Walk the streets. Ride the bus. Get the passport stamp. Let your children ask questions. Let them see what strength looks like.

Because our stories deserve to be told—in full color, in full truth, and with full pride.