The Merci Boxcar, A Gift To Utah From France, Just Turned 75 Years Old
By Courtnie Erickson|Published March 20, 2024
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Let’s take a trip back in time. It is February 18, 1949. Arriving at the Union Pacific Depot in Salt Lake City was a train, but it wasn’t your average train. It was the French Merci Train and it was pulling a gray boxcar filled with gifts to the people of Utah from France. This boxcar with gifts is now 75 years old and it still means just as much to the people of Utah today as it did back then.
The Merci Train pulled 49 French railroad boxcars. Each boxcar was given to a state in the country, except Washington D.C. and the Territory of Hawaii shared a boxcar.
Each boxcar was filled with hundreds of gifts. These gifts were to express gratitude and to celebrate peace and friendship following World War II. It was also a response to the Friendship Train in 1947, which was an American effort to deliver food and supplies to France and other countries as they recovered from the devastating effects of the war.
The above image shows the Merci Train ceremony in Washington D.C., on February 6, 1949.
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When the boxcar arrived in Utah, it was three days late due to inclement weather. The boxcar was unloaded and the gifts were separated and given to cities around the state.
While not many gifts were recorded, some items have been saved including French books and medals. There were also handmade stars stitched with French and American names.
Many of the boxcars were put on display in each state, acting as a reminder of the friendship between countries. Here in Utah, the boxcar was placed outside of Ogden’s Union Station.
Although, a major restoration project is planned to preserve the boxcar for years to come.
The Merci Train is a special piece of Utah history and one not many people know about. However, it’s a story with a powerful message — a message of friendship, gratitude, and generosity.
Are you familiar with the Merci Train? Did you realize it turned 75 years old? Let us know in the comments. You can also learn more on the Merci Train website.
What are some of your favorite pieces of Utah history? Check out some of these historical sites in Utah for your next adventure. You may even want to consider a road trip to see some of the best.
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