The Orphan Train Movement was a social initiative in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It aimed to relocate orphaned and abandoned children from crowded urban areas, particularly New York City, to rural communities in the Midwest. The movement began in 1854 and was organized by various charitable groups, including the Children's Aid Society, which sought to provide these children with better living conditions and opportunities. Children were placed on trains and sent to towns where families could adopt or foster them. The movement helped thousands of children find homes, but it also faced criticism for its methods and the challenges many children encountered in their new environments. Overall, the Orphan Train Movement played a significant role in shaping child welfare practices in America.