Huron in Beadle County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"French Boxcar"

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, May 21, 2017

1. "French Boxcar" Marker

Inscription.
This is one of the 49 boxcars from the "Gratitude Train" given to the United States by a grateful French people in response to the 700 car "Friendship Train" sent to France after World War II. Each state and the District of Columbia has received one of these gift-laden boxcars.

These boxcars were used during World War I to transport troops. Each one is stamped "40 Hommes - 8 Chevaux", which means it has the capacity for 40 men or 8 horses. The coat of arms of each French province are authentic replicas.

This car, which was given to the people of South Dakota, arrived in Huron Feb. 14, 1949, and is maintained by the 40 et 8 Honor Society of the American Legion, whose symbol is the boxcar.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Merci Train Boxcars series list.

Location. 44° 21.801′ N, 98° 13.78′ W. Marker is in Huron, South Dakota, in Beadle County. Marker is on 3rd Street Southwest west of Livestock Ave, on the right when traveling west. The French Boxcar is located at the State Fair grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huron SD 57350, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Where Does the West Begin?/ Here the West Begins (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps Camp

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Huron, South Dakota Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Beadle County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Michael J. Fitzmaurice (approx. 0.7 miles away); History of Huron College / Huron University (approx. 0.7 miles away); Huron College (approx. 0.7 miles away); William E. Ferguson Square (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huron.

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, May 21, 2017

2. "French Boxcar" Marker

French Boxcar, from the west image. Click for full size.

November 6, 2021

3. French Boxcar, from the west

"Train de la Reconnaissance Francaise"

French Boxcar, from the east image. Click for full size.

November 6, 2021

4. French Boxcar, from the east

"Gratitude Train"

Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 440 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 14, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 3, 4. submitted on November 7, 2021. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.