Durbin: It's Only Right Pullman Be Preserved And Honored As Part Of Our National Park System

Press Release

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate regarding news that President Obama will designate a portion of Chicago's Pullman Historic District as a National Monument, making it a unit of the National Park System. Durbin, Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL) have been working together to secure national park status for the architecturally unique neighborhood which played important roles in America's railroad, industrial and labor history.

"The people who are part of the Pullman legacy helped shape our country as we know it today," Durbin said. "Pullman workers fought for fair labor conditions in the late 19th century, and the Pullman porters helped advance America's civil rights movement. During the economic depression of the 1890s, the Pullman community was the catalyst for the first industry-wide strike in the United States, which helped lead to the creation of Labor Day as a national day."

"It is only right that Pullman be preserved and honored as a part of our National Parks System. I commend the President for this decision to showcase the prominence and legacy of Pullman in our nation's history."

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