George M. Pullman: Palace Car Magnate

Synopsis

Executive jets and yachts are the quintessential tableau of today's tycoons. A century or more ago it was Pullman Palace Cars and yachts. The Palace Cars were ornate, featured extravagant pomp, from crystal chandeliers and marble baths to sumptuous bedrooms, libraries and living rooms walled in mahogany, with servant quarters nearby. The man who made this possible, George Pullman, catered to the wealthy, provided unique cars built to individual tastes and standards, but also gave ordinary railroad travelers Pullman cars where passengers could sleep in berths on longer journeys. Pullman also developed Pullman City south of Chicago, designed to become the utopian factory city for his employees and executives. It was a grand idea, with a bank, hotel, library, theatre, park and homes, but it remained his fiefdom. At its peak, 12,000 employees lived in this insular community. Pullman drew divergent opinions of his legacy from caustic remarks by Ambrose Bierce to receipt of the Order of the Star and Cross from the King of Italy. Award-winning author Daniel Alef tells Pullman's absorbing story, an integral part of the history of American railroads and the history of Chicago. [3,371-word Titans of Fortune article].