Illinois State Historical Library

The "Merci Train," or "Thank You Train," arrived in the United States from France in February 1949, in gratitude for a "Friendship Train" full of food and other necessities sent to France from the United States the previous year. The French train contained one car full of gifts for each state. Illinois' car was displayed in Chicago and Springfield before the contents were distributed.

From the description of "Merci Train" Records, 1949-1950. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 69399884