Forty & Eight Boxcar Marker

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Seaford in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Forty & Eight Boxcar

By Beverly Pfingsten, November 12, 2010

1. Forty & Eight Boxcar Marker

Inscription. This car is one of 49 given to the American people by the citizens of France in thanks for aid rendered during and after World War II. Utilized for hauling military cargo during two world wars, they were known for their complement of “forty men - eight horses.” The “Merci” or Gratitude Train was assembled by French veterans, who decorated each car with the coats of arms of the provinces of France. On February 12, 1949, the citizens of Delaware formally welcomed the gift-laden offering at a ceremony held in Wilmington. A statewide exhibition tour followed. The car is owned and maintained by the American Legion’s Society of the 40 & 8, Voiture #1320 (Marker Number SC-94.)

Location. 38° 38.659′ N, 75° 36.552′ W. Marker is in Seaford, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is at the intersection of Front Street and Poplar Street, on the right when traveling south on Front Street. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Seaford DE 19973, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nanticoke Post No. 6 (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Luke's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor William H. H. Ross (within shouting distance of this marker); St. John's United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Seaford Fire Department (approx. ¼ mile away); Mount Olivet United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Seaford Hundred (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Seaford Post Office (approx. 0.4 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Seaford.

Forty & Eight Boxcar Photo, Click for full size

By Beverly Pfingsten, November 12, 2010

2. Forty & Eight Boxcar

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Credits. This page originally submitted on December 2, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 383 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.