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Kirk, Durbin Effort Would Place Historic Pullman Under U.S. Parks

(CBS) – U.S. Sens. Mark Kirk and Dick Durbin say they're introducing legislation that will turn Chicago's Historic Pullman District into a National Park.

Kirk, a North Shore Republican, says the national park designation will bring hundreds of jobs, thousands of tourists and millions of dollars to Chicago.

Pullman at 11th and Cottage started as a company town owned by George Pullman to house workers at his company, which manufactured luxurious Pullman Railroad Sleeping cars.

During the depression of 1894, the industrialist reduced all workers' pay by 25 percent but made no corresponding reduction in rents and fees he charged.

This led to the first nationwide strike.

Pullman also produced the first African-American trade union.

Kirk and Durbin say they'll introduce legislation when Congress returns in a week or so.

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