Sedalia in Pettis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Merci Boxcar
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 21, 2015
1. The Merci Boxcar Marker
This is an original French boxcar. The 40 Homme et 8 Chevaux painted on the ends means this car holds 40 men and 8 horses (or mules). The plaques represent the French provinces. American troops rode these boxcars to and from battle in WWI and WWII.
If you think they were comfortable, just think the men could be in these cars for days with no bathroom facilities ..or imagine yourself and 39 other men trying to sleep in this unit at the same time. The veterans' organizations, La Societe of 40 men and 8 horses, takes it name from these cars and is simply known as the 40 & 8. Our motto is "Service in War; Charity in Peace". We are a fun organization that takes its responsibilities serious[ly]. Our main tasks are scholarships for student nurses and child welfare. For more information go to the web: fortyandeight.org.
The 40 & 8 needs you. Membership is open by invitation only to all veterans who have served honorably. Contact a member of the 40 & 8 for more information about joining. Since 1923 our creed has been "One Nation under God with One Flag and One Language". We proudly support other veteran groups. Once again join with your comrades.
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Boxcar used in the 1st World War presented by the French National Railroads to the state of Missouri in gratitude
this page online
Erected by La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, World I • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Merci Train Boxcars series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 38° 41.502′ N, 93° 15.542′ W. Marker is in Sedalia, Missouri, in Pettis County. Marker and boxcar are on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2503 West 16th Street, Sedalia MO 65301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Home Economics Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 4-H Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Missouri State Highway System (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Missouri Highway History (about 300 feet away); Missouri: The Show Bee State (about 300 feet away); Varied Industries Building (about 400 feet away); Poultry & Rabbit Building (about 400 feet away); Commercial Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sedalia.
Also see . . .
1. Merci Train. Website homepage (Submitted on July 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 21, 2015
2. The Merci Boxcar Marker
2. 40 and 8 - La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux. Society website homepage (Submitted on July 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. 40 & 8 Info Sheet. (Submitted on July 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Missouri State Fair History. Fair website entry (Submitted on July 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 21, 2015
3. The Merci Boxcar and Markers
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 21, 2015
4. The Merci Boxcar
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 21, 2015
5. The Merci Boxcar
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,114 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
