History of the Merci Train

—40 & 8 Boxcar —

Frequently referred to as "40 & 8" cars because of their capacity to carry "40 men or 8 horses," the boxcars were built beginning in the 1870s and used in both World Wars to transport troops and supplies. Each of the cars of the Merci Train was adorned with coats of arms of the provinces of France and filled with offerings from the French people as a heart-felt thank you to America for its aid to France during WWII. The 49 cars that composed the Merci Train arrived in New York harbor aboard the ship Magellan on February 3, 1949. Because the wheel-base of the French boxcars was too narrow for American rail tracks, they were transported to the various states by flatcar. This boxcar came to Jackson via a circuitous route on different rail lines through the states of Virginia,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

Following a brief stop and transfer to the Illinois Central rail line in Meridian, Mississippi, the boxcar given to the state of Mississippi by France arrived in Jackson at 4:00 pm on February 12, 1949. Dignitaries on hand to receive the Merci train included Mississippi Governor Fielding L. Wright, Jackson Mayor Allen C. Thompson, Mississippi Department of Archives and History Director Dr. William D. McCain and the French Consul-General to New Orleans Lionel Vasse. Among the myriad gifts packed