Louisiana Orphan Train Museum
Established October 10, 2009
In 2009, a former century old Union Pacific freight depot was restored to become the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum.
Opelousas was one of the many railway destinations for thousands of homeless children rescued from the streets of New York City from 1854 to 1929.
With the assistance of the The New York Foundling Hospital, more than 2,000 children were placed in homes throughout Louisiana.
Opelousas played a significant role in the Orphan Train Movement by welcoming countless numbers of children who arrived on the trains. The first Orphan Train arrived in Opelousas in 1907 and was subsequently followed by two more trains.
The Louisiana Orphan Train Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the historic event of the arrival of the Orphan Train riders.
Erected by City of Opelousas, Louisiana.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is October 10, 2009.
Location. 30° 31.895′ N, 92° 4.48′ W. Marker is in Opelousas, Louisiana, in St. Landry Parish. It can be reached from South Academy Street near Ronald Reagan Highway (U.S. 190), on the left when traveling
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Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Acadiana Cajun Country. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, Acadia, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Union Pacific Freight Depot (here, next to this marker); Emar Andrepont Store (a few steps from this marker); La Chapelle House (a few steps from this marker); Mary Jane Steam Engine Train (within shouting distance of this marker); Sugar Kettle, c. 1800 (within shouting distance of this marker); 19th Century Outhouse, c. 1890 (within shouting distance of this marker); Whiteville School House (within shouting distance
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 536 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 2, 2017.
