In 1864, the powerful industrialist and engineer George Pullman brought luxury to overnight train travel with his revolutionary sleeping cars. Passengers aboard these rail cars were served by former slaves who became known as Pullman Porters and Maids. Pullman soon established a company town for employees on Chicago's South Side, giving him complete autonomy over every aspect of their lives. PULLMAN AND THE RAILROAD REBELLION: AMERICAN STORIES recounts the bloody rebellion that followed as Pullman's workers fought for their independence.