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
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.)Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the Merci Train Boxcars series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1799.
Location. 38° 38.659′ N, 75° 36.552′ W. Marker is in Seaford, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is at the intersection of
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Killed in Action Memorial (here, next to this marker); Nanticoke Post No. 6 (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Luke's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor William H. H. Ross (within shouting distance of this marker); Gateway to Freedom: The Tilly Escape (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. John's United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Seaford Fire Department (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seaford.
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 1,359 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
