Feds say Pullman worthy of national park status

The National Park Service says Chicago’s historic Pullman community is worthy of being considered for national park status.

U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk and Rep. Robin Kelly announced Monday the park service has determined the site has unique historical significance.

They say Congress now must authorize an economic feasibility study, which could take up to two years.

The neighborhood was founded by industrialist George Pullman in 1880 and known for manufacturing Pullman Palace Sleeper Cars, the most luxurious railcar for nearly a century. It also was the birthplace of the black labor movement.

Kelly says she’s thrilled the park service thinks Pullman “conveys a story worth preserving.”

Pullman would be Illinois’ second national park if the effort succeeds, joining President Abraham Lincoln’s homestead in Springfield.