Intelligent Discontent: Results of Archaeological Monitoring During the Construction of the Pullman National Monument

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions)", at the 2024 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

In 2020 and 2021, Commonwealth Heritage Group monitored construction at the historic Main Factory complex of the Pullman National Monument for site development for a museum. Coordinating with the IDNR and the NPS, Commonwealth documented significant resources related to the Pullman period (1880–1897). A landscaping wall associated with Lake Vista, the South Erecting Shop foundation, and the Workers’ Gate foundation were encountered during construction and determined to contribute to the significance of the site. The Workers’ Gate is one of the most recognized locations at the Main Factory complex and is symbolic of the American Labor Movement. The archaeological remnants of the Workers’ Gate indicate that George Pullman constructed it to assert more control over his workers during escalating labor tensions. Cultural materials documented at the location provide insight into the consumer choices made by the Pullman workers and illustrate the ways Pullman workers and residents resisted company control.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2024   •
• Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions)

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow