Posted in Mississippi July 10, 2020 by

One Of The Remaining Merci Trains Is Right Here In Mississippi

The story of the Merci Train, which was a gift from France to the U.S., has got to be one of the most heartwarming in history. But it’s not completely in the past. A boxcar from the Merci Train is on display here in Mississippi, and you can visit. Read on to learn all about this interesting piece of the past.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Near the former GM&O depot in Jackson, you’ll find one of the Merci Train boxcars, which were sent to the U.S. by France in 1949.
Frank Zeimetz/Google
The Merci Train was actually sent as a thank you for the American Friendship Train, which arrived in France in December 1947.
Daniel Slack/The 1947 Friendship Train Facebook
The idea for the American Friendship Train was thought up by Washington Post columnist Drew Pearson.
California Secretary of State/Facebook
Hoping to assist with war recovery overseas, Pearson proposed that Americans donate enough food to fill 80 train cars and then ship it to France and Italy.
Daniel Slack/The 1947 Friendship Train Facebook
That goal wasn’t met, though… it was exceeded.
Daniel Slack/The 1947 Friendship Train Facebook
When all was said and done, Americans donated $40 million worth of food, clothing, and fuel, which filled more than 700 railroad cars.
Daniel Slack/The 1947 Friendship Train Facebook
The American Friendship Train traveled across the U.S. from L.A. to N.Y., drawing crowds in each state along the way.
Daniel Slack/The 1947 Friendship Train Facebook
France responded to the generous gesture with its own train of gifts, the Merci Train.
mdah.ms.gov
France’s version consisted of 49 boxcars – one for each state in the continental U.S. and one to be shared between Washington D.C. and Hawaii.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia
Like the American Friendship Train, the Merci Train was filled with donated items.
Maria Maguire/Google
Over 6 million citizens from France and Italy donated an array of items, including dolls, statues, clothes, ornamental objects, and furniture.
The Mississippi boxcar made a quick stop in Meridian, before arriving at its final destination in Jackson on February 12, 1949.
Frank Zeimetz/Google
Upon its arrival, the items in the boxcar were unloaded and put on display for residents to view. Eventually, the items were divided among various organizations within the state.
Frank Zeimetz/Google
Today, the boxcar, which is accompanied by informative signage, can be viewed daily, from dawn - dusk.
Robert Freeman/Google

Remember, the Merci Train is located behind the Old Capitol Museum by the former GM&O depot in Jackson. For more information, call (601) 576-6920.

So, did you know about this interesting piece of history? Ever visited the Merci Train? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the state’s only unique historic site. Read about others here.

Address: 648-698 E Pearl St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA