A fascinating fun fact about Pullman, Washington, is that the city was originally named "Three Forks" but changed its name hoping to receive a generous donation from a famous inventor, a hope that ultimately went unfulfilled.
The Curious Origin of Pullman's Name
Pullman, WA, wasn't always known by its current name. Its initial designation, "Three Forks," accurately reflected its geography, as two streams and a river converge right in the downtown area. This natural confluence provided a descriptive and practical name for the early settlement.
The Strategic Name Change: From "Three Forks" to "Pullman"
The shift to the name "Pullman" was a deliberate and strategic move by the city's early inhabitants. They chose to honor George M. Pullman, the renowned inventor of the luxurious Pullman railroad cars. These innovative cars were famous for their small, private rooms and comfortable sleeping accommodations, revolutionizing train travel.
The primary motivation behind adopting the name "Pullman" was a bold gambit: the city leaders hoped that by naming their community after the wealthy industrialist, he would be inspired to donate substantial funds to the burgeoning town.
Here's a quick look at the name transformation:
| Feature | Original Name ("Three Forks") | Current Name ("Pullman") |
|---|---|---|
| Reason for Name | Confluence of two streams and a river downtown | Named after George M. Pullman, inventor of luxury railroad cars |
| City's Hope | N/A | Financial donation from George M. Pullman |
| Outcome | N/A | No donation received |
An Unfulfilled Expectation
Despite the city's hopeful rebranding and its tribute to the inventor, George M. Pullman never contributed any money to the city that bore his name. This makes for a unique and slightly humorous piece of local history, highlighting a time when communities sought creative ways to attract investment and growth. Today, Pullman thrives as a vibrant college town, home to Washington State University, retaining its namesake's legacy in name alone, rather than in donated wealth.
You can learn more about the Pullman community on the Washington State University website.
