Pullman, a planned community that was once heralded as one of the best combinations of labor and capital during the industrial period in US history where the company provided great amenities for workers, is located on the south side of the city.

Pullman cars came to prominence after being the railroad car of choice for Abraham Lincoln’s casket when it toured the country.
Beside great benefits for its many white workers, Pullman was also known for its Pullman Porters, African-American males who would serve the riders and could earn a decent living. A massive nationwide strike in 1894 began in Pullman when wages were cut but living costs were not correspondingly reduced. The company declined significantly after World War 2 with the massive decline in rail and the town suffered with the outflow of jobs. While the Pullman Historic District set aside many of the buildings in the early 1970’s, the main industrial area is only now beginning to make a comeback, well after this song was written.

Sufjan is probably referring to the workers, especially the African-American Pullman Porters, as they would have been hardest hit by the fall of the company and the town.