Seaford in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Forty & Eight Boxcar
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, November 12, 2010
1. Forty & Eight Boxcar Marker
Inscription.
Forty and Eight Boxcar. . This car is one of 49 given to the American people by the citizens of France in thanks for aid rendered during and after World War II. Utilized for hauling military cargo during two world wars, they were known for their complement of “forty men - eight horses.” The “Merci” or Gratitude Train was assembled by French veterans, who decorated each car with the coats of arms of the provinces of France. On February 12, 1949, the citizens of Delaware formally welcomed the gift-laden offering at a ceremony held in Wilmington. A statewide exhibition tour followed. The car is owned and maintained by the American Legion’s Society of the 40 and 8, Voiture #1320
This car is one of 49 given to the American people by the citizens of France in thanks for aid rendered during and after World War II. Utilized for hauling military cargo during two world wars, they were known for their complement of “forty men - eight horses.” The “Merci” or Gratitude Train was assembled by French veterans, who decorated each car with the coats of arms of the provinces of France. On February 12, 1949, the citizens of Delaware formally welcomed the gift-laden offering at a ceremony held in Wilmington. A statewide exhibition tour followed. The car is owned and maintained by the American Legion’s Society of the 40 & 8, Voiture #1320 (Marker Number SC-94.)
Location. 38° 38.659′ N, 75° 36.552′ W. Marker is in Seaford, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is at the intersection of Front Street and Poplar Street, on the right when traveling south on Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Seaford DE 19973, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Killed in Action Memorial (here, next to this marker);
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . Mercitrain.org website about the Delaware Boxcar. Contains photos of some artifacts donated by the French people and dedication photos. (Submitted on February 11, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, November 12, 2010
2. Forty & Eight Boxcar
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,462 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
