Amboy in Lee County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Orphan Train in Illinois
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, December 8, 2022
1. The Orphan Train in Illinois Marker
The largest child migration in United States history, also known as "the Orphan Trains", took place from 1854 to 1929. Originating from the New York ghettos and orphanages, they came west over the rails. Amboy was a stop on this migration which is now considered the first foster care in the United States. Illinois welcomed more than 10,000 homeless children aged 2 months to 17 years into its history. These brave children, sometimes torn from their siblings, helped shape the agricultural economy of Illinois. These foundlings seeking a new life became a part of our Illinois families.
"They came from the unknown and into our hearts.
From out of the unknown, they became our own.
She said, "Give me your tired, your poor" and He did.
Unwanted and unloved, these "throw away" children came into our families.
These ragged urchins changed the history of the United States.
Their "lost children's world" was not only changed, but they changed ours.
These unwanted offspring became a precious gift to our homes."
- Carol Chandler, Local Historian of the Orphan Train Riders
Erected 2020 by Children of the American Revolution to honor those brave children of the Orphan Trains, Bryn M. Callahan,
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 41° 42.826′ N, 89° 19.916′ W. Marker is in Amboy, Illinois, in Lee County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Main Street and Southeast Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 E Main St, Amboy IL 61310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Amboy Illinois Central Depot (here, next to this marker); The Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen (a few steps from this marker); Carson Pirie Scott & Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln in the Black Hawk War (approx. 11.1 miles away); Reagan Way (approx. 11.4 miles away); Reagan Home (approx. 11.4 miles away); Dixon Historic Center (approx. 11.7 miles away); Lincoln Supports Fremont for President (approx. 11.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amboy.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, December 8, 2022
2. The Orphan Train in Illinois Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 244 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
