Ogden in Weber County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Merci Train
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 20, 2025
1. The Merci Train Marker
On November 10, 1947, Ogden hosted the "Friendship Train" for Utah, contributing 3 boxcars of food and aid to the people of France after World War II. In all, over 700 boxcars of supplies were sent from United States citizens to aid in the dire aftermath of World War II. As a token of gratitude, the people of France sent the "Merci Train" in 1949. It consisted of 49 "40 & 8" boxcars, one for each of the 48 states and one shared by the District of Columbia and the Territory of Hawaii. Utah's boxcar was presented to the people of Utah on February 22, 1949, filled with gifts donated by the people of France. Some of these gifts remain in the care of the Utah State Archives.
"40 & 8" boxcars like this one were used during World War I and World War II to transport troops around France. They are named after their carrying capacity: "Hommes 40 - Chevaux 8" (40 Men 8 Horses).
This boxcar was restored by the 40 Et 8 Grande du Utah, the local chapter of La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux and dedicated in 2009. The project was headed by Byron Lewis with generous grants from George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation
this page online
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. A significant historical date for this entry is November 10, 1947.
Location. 41° 13.319′ N, 111° 58.755′ W. Marker is in Ogden, Utah, in Weber County. It can be reached from Wall Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2501 Wall Ave, Ogden UT 84401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Wasatch Front and in Greater Salt Lake. It is also in the American Mountain West and on the Colorado Plateau. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ogden Union Depot (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Altice Building (about 400 feet away); Ogden City Wall (about 500 feet away); An Important Community Symbol / Welcome to Historic 25th Street
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 20, 2025
2. The Merci Train Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. French Boxcar (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
