Obama Praised for Declaring Pullman District a Monument

President Obama’s declaration protecting the Pullman Historic District as a national monument is a good way to protect an important piece of American history, The Trust for Public Land said today.

The organization played a critical role in ensuring the future of the 203-acre site on Chicago’s South Side. It was built by industrialist George Pullman in the 19th century for workers to manufacture luxurious railroad sleeping cars, and was crucial in the African-American labor movement.

“Our mission is to protect land for people and this is a great example of helping the American people learn about a site which has been so important to our nation,” said Beth White, Chicago Region Director of The Trust for Public Land. She attended the event, where President Obama signed the official declaration.

The land was owned by the state of Illinois before it was donated to the National Park Service. The Trust for Public Land was asked by the Park Service to help facilitate the effort with a variety of complicated environmental due diligence work, particularly at the Administration Clock Tower. The Trust for Public Land also assisted with a number of complex real estate procedures that expedited the site’s protection.

The Pullman monument was one of three announced Thursday by Obama.