Hand Towel Used on Pullman Passenger Cars

01

Artifact Overview

From its founding during the Civil War until its demise a century later, Pullman was synonymous with first-class travel on American railroads. The company built sleeping cars and operated them under contract with host railroads. For Black Americans, jobs as Pullman porters offered a pathway into the middle class, though the work was difficult. This hand towel was used on Union Pacific trains.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Hand towel

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2024.247.11

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cloth

Color

White (Color)
Blue (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 13.5 in
Width: 16.25 in

Inscriptions

on front of towel: U. P. R. R.