Merci Train
The French military used boxcars called forty-and-eights to transport goods and soldiers, first in WWI and again in WWII. The boxcars could hold 40 men or 8 horses, hence the name. This is designated in French on the cars: 40 hommes, 8 chevaux. Sadly, the Germans also used similar forty-and-eights to transport POWs and civilians to concentration camps during WWII.
After WWII, the U.S. sent 700 boxcars full of relief materials to war-torn Europe. In appreciation, the people of France responded with the Merci Train. Forty-and-eight boxcars filled with gifts were sent to each state in 1949. The cars held gifts collected from the people of France, such as wine, clothing, art, furniture, decoratives, and even thank-you letters from children.
France adorned each boxcar with the coats of arms of the French provinces. Louisiana's Merci Train boxcar was repaired and repainted in 1999. Missing coats of arms were recreated. At that time, a mistake was made in the spelling of one French province-see if you can spot it!
The symbol of the Merci Train features a steam engine with flowers that are symbolic of Flanders Field, where many American "doughboys” from WWI are buried. A plaque featuring this drawing was placed on each of the Merci Train box cars.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic
this page online
Location. 30° 26.813′ N, 91° 11.317′ W. Marker is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in East Baton Rouge Parish. It can be reached from North Boulevard near Third Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baton Rouge LA 70802, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Great River Road Region. 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, 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: A different marker also named Merci Train (a few steps from this marker); Site of Early Gunsmith Shop (a few steps from this marker); Old State Capitol (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Baton Rouge (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Old State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisiana's Old State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old State Capitol (within shouting
Another marker is no longer nearby. Baton Rouge Confederate Monument (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. Located on the grounds of the Old Louisiana State Capitol.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 728 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2018.
