George Pullman – Biography of George Pullman

One of the most prominent figures in New York State history was George pullman. Born into a humble family of carpenters, Pullman he became a widely recognized businessman. He revolutionized train travel by building one of the most luxurious carriages in American history. Pullman he made a fortune building luxury wagons and leasing them to railroad companies.

Born March 3, 1831, in Brockton, New York, George Mortimer Pullman He initially worked as a cabinetmaker in his brother’s shop. The turning point in his life came during the installation of a new sewer system in Chicago, Illinois. The system required the elevation of some buildings. Pullman won a contract to erect the buildings. Using a series of screws, he lifted the buildings with such efficiency and precision that business in those buildings proceeded without interruption during the lifting work. Pullman he won many accolades for his extraordinary work, and also a good amount of money.

With the newly acquired money, PullmanTogether with his close friend and state senator Benjamin Field, he set up a passenger car company in 1858. He had the idea to build luxury cars after a troublesome train ride. These carriages featured lavish decor and fine upholstery. Some even boasted of having a fancy restaurant. The most famous model produced by his company was the Pioneer. That railroad car was taller and wider than conventional ones. It achieved great fame when the remains of President Abraham Lincoln were brought to the burial site in that special carriage.

Pullman he had a unique way of doing business. It did not sell its sleeper cars, but rather leased them to the railway companies and those companies gave it the surcharge they charged to the passengers of the luxury cars. During its heyday, the company of Pullman it had about 2,000 luxury sleeper leases. The company was worth $ 62 million. However, the company’s fortunes were short-lived. The recession of 1893 had a great effect on her. Pullman implemented production shutdowns, pay cuts, and layoffs, resulting in a violent attack. Government troops were called in to deal with the situation. The incident greatly tarnished the reputation and fame of Pullman.

George pullman He died of a heart attack on October 19, 1897, and was buried at Graceland Cemetery in Chigago. Due to fears that former employees would desecrate his body, the grave was dug deep and reinforced with concrete and steel. An imposing Corinthian column now exists over his grave.