Orphan Train

The Orphan Train movement, which took place roughly from 1854 to 1929, was a program where thousands of orphaned, abandoned, or neglected children from urban areas in the United States were transported by train to rural communities. There, they were often placed with families for foster care, adoption, or apprenticeship, in hopes of providing better living conditions and opportunities. This practice aimed to address both child welfare and labor needs but also raised complex issues about consent and the children's well-being. It remains an important part of American social history, illustrating early efforts at child protection and foster care.