The Sleeping Car of George Pullman

As railroad mileages tripled between 1850 and 1860, the uncomfortable conditions passengers endured on trips longer than a few hours became intolerable. George Pullman began renovating existing sleeping cars for the Chicago and Alton Railroad in 1858. In 1864, his crew built the classic sleeping car he called the Pioneer. With brocaded fabrics, handcrafted window and door frames, plush red carpets, and richly ornamented paneling, the Pioneer was a study in luxury.