Orphan Train Riders
The term "Orphan Train Riders" refers to children who were part of the Orphan Train Movement in the United States from the 1850s to the 1920s. This initiative aimed to relocate orphaned and abandoned children from crowded urban areas, particularly in New York City, to rural communities in the Midwest. The goal was to provide these children with better living conditions and opportunities for a stable upbringing.
During this period, thousands of children traveled on trains, known as orphan trains, to find new homes. Many were adopted by families, while others faced challenges in adjusting to their new lives. The movement is a significant chapter in American social history, highlighting issues of child welfare and the importance of family.