The Pullman Company, renowned for its luxury railway cars, was also a pioneer in adopting advanced technologies within its Car Shops. Just as many modern businesses embrace green energy, Pullman integrated cutting-edge innovations for its time. A prime example was the Corliss steam engine. In 1881, this engine, then the world’s largest, powered the Pullman, Illinois car shops and even provided steam heating to some residential areas within the company town. Demonstrating a commitment to efficiency, Pullman later transitioned to electricity in 1907, a more cost-effective and efficient power source, replacing the steam engine.
The Pullman car shops were designed for efficient processing of numerous components within a single complex. Visitors to Pullman National Historical Park today can observe the transfer pit and transfer table area, key elements of this process. Here, workers utilized a transfer table system to move railcars between different bays during various stages of production. While Pullman didn’t invent the transfer table, they implemented it on an unprecedented scale. Although sometimes compared to Henry Ford’s assembly line, the car shops operated differently. Early railway car construction at Pullman was characterized by custom manufacturing. Workers constructed each train car at dedicated stations, with cars remaining at these stations for days or even weeks as they were meticulously built.
Like many industries adapting to crises, the Pullman Company also shifted its production in response to national emergencies. During both World War I and World War II, the car shops were repurposed to support wartime efforts. Production expanded beyond railway cars to include troop transport vehicles, artillery components, airplane tail sections, and other essential war materials. This adaptability also led to the production of niche items such as automobile bodies, streetcars, and even a unique snow cruiser.
Despite its significant contributions, the Pullman Company faced consolidation and downsizing in the 1940s. By 1969, railroads had discontinued sleeper car service. The rise of highway travel for shorter distances and air travel for long journeys gradually diminished the demand for Pullman’s services. However, the legacy of the Pullman Company and its car shops endures, profoundly influencing modern travel experiences. Pullman trains set a new standard for passenger comfort, inspiring first-class air travel and many of the amenities we now expect on long-distance journeys. The comfortable and enjoyable travel experience many Americans take for granted today owes much to the pioneering vision of the Pullman Company.
