From the first, George Pullman formed his porters from Black men, giving them a simple uniform with which White middle class travelers would be comfortable, yet give them a taste of luxury.
The last served in the 1960s, marking almost one hundred years of the Pullman porter.

In 1925, The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was formed.
The history of the Pullman porter can be found in the Pullman Porter Museum Gallery, Chicago; founded in 1995.

The Pullman porters were usually addressed as "George," from the first name of George Pullman.