Skip to Main Content

Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion

When George Pullman’s success didn’t trickle down to his employees, a rebellion ensued.

10/06/2023

See all videos with Audio DescriptionAD

Chicago Stories

Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion

10/6/2023 | 56m 46sVideo has Audio Description, Closed Captions

When George Pullman’s success didn’t trickle down to his employees, a rebellion ensued.

In 1864, the powerful industrialist and engineer George Pullman brought luxury to train travel with his revolutionary sleeping cars, where passengers were served by an army of former slaves who became known as Pullman Porters and Maids. Pullman established a company town for employees that gave him complete authority over every aspect of their lives. Audio-narrated descriptions are available.

10/06/2023

See all videos with Audio DescriptionAD

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

Chicago Stories is a local public television program presented by WTTW

Lead support for CHICAGO STORIES is provided by The Negaunee Foundation. Major support is provided by the Abra Prentice Foundation, Inc. and the TAWANI Foundation.

Chicago Stories

Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion

10/6/2023 | 56m 46sVideo has Audio Description, Closed Captions

In 1864, the powerful industrialist and engineer George Pullman brought luxury to train travel with his revolutionary sleeping cars, where passengers were served by an army of former slaves who became known as Pullman Porters and Maids. Pullman established a company town for employees that gave him complete authority over every aspect of their lives. Audio-narrated descriptions are available.

10/06/2023

See all videos with Audio DescriptionAD

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

How to Watch Chicago Stories

Chicago Stories is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.

Chicago Stories - New Season!
Beginning September 26, 2025

Chicago Stories - New Season!

Blizzards that brought Chicago to a standstill. A shocking unsolved murder case. A governor's fall from power. Iconic local foods. And the magic of Marshall Field's legendary holiday windows.

Support for PBS provided by:

Chicago Stories is a local public television program presented by WTTW

Lead support for CHICAGO STORIES is provided by The Negaunee Foundation. Major support is provided by the Abra Prentice Foundation, Inc. and the TAWANI Foundation.

Sign in with Email

or

Continue with GoogleContinue with FacebookContinue with Apple

By creating an account, you acknowledge that PBS may share your information with our member stations and our respective service providers, and that you have read and understand the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Are you sure you want to remove null from My List?