What is an orphan train? This term refers to a system that operated in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where thousands of children, known as orphans, were sent from the East Coast to the Midwest and West on trains. These children, many of whom were abandoned or placed in orphanages due to poverty, disease, or other circumstances, were seen as a solution to the labor shortages in the rapidly growing western territories. The orphan train movement, also known as the Children’s Aid Society, aimed to provide these children with a new start and a chance at a better life. However, this practice raised numerous ethical questions and has left a lasting impact on the history of the United States. In this article, we will delve into the origins, operation, and consequences of the orphan train phenomenon.
