The Merci Train

On November 10, 1947, Ogden hosted the Friendship Train for Utah, contributing 3 boxcars of food and aid to the people of France after World War II. In all, over 700 boxcars of supplies were sent by United States citizens to aid France in the dire aftermath of World War II. As a token of gratitude, the people of France sent the Merci Train in 1949. It consisted of 49 "40 & 8" boxcars, one for each of the 48 states and one shared by the District of Columbia and the Territory of Hawaii. Utah's boxcar was presented to the people of Utah on February 22, 1949, filled with gifts donated by the people of France. Some of these gifts remain in the care of the Utah State Archives. "40 & 8" boxcars were used during World War I and World War II to transport troops around France and were named for their carrying capacity, Hommes 40 - Chevaux 8, or 40 Men 8 Horses.

Ogden, Utah · United States