RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE PULLMAN DISTRICT TO BE DESIGNATED
AS A NATIONAL PARK OR HISTORIC MONUMENT
WHEREAS, U.S. House of Representatives Resolution H.R. 3894 was introduced to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Pullman Historic Site on this city's far south side to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the site as part ofthe National Park System; and
WHEREAS, Such a study now being undertaken should do much to move forward the process of placing the Pullman District under the aegis ofthe National Park Service, thus ensuring that its historic structures and museums remain intact. The Abraham Lincoln National Historic Site, Lincoln's home in Springfield, is currently the only National Park designation in Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Built by railroad baron George Pullman, it was among America's first "company towns" and spawned the country's first African-American union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters led by the legendary labor leader, A. Philip Randolph. The district includes the area east of Cottage Grove Avenue, from East 103rd St. to East 115th St. where the Pullman factory and the Hotel Florence, once operated by Pullman's daughter and now being renovated by funding from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is located. Named a Chicago Landmark district on October 16, 1972, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 8, 1969 and declared a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970; and
WHEREAS, Historic Pullman has much to teach about the 19th century industrial revolution, the labor movement, the impact of architecture and urban design, principles applicable to urban development even for today and the future. As such, it is worthy of National Park status in furtherance ofthe its stated goal to bring service to metropolitan areas; and
WHEREAS, As a National Park, Pullman would be one more unique gem to add to this city's remarkable and noteworthy des...
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