Orphan Train Riders Map Beginning in 1853, charitable institutions in New York City, began sending orphans on trains, to the west to find new families. Hoping the children would fare better out west, than on the streets of New York. Orphan trains began arriving in Iowa during 1854, ending about 1930. During this time over 5,000 children were placed in Iowa homes. |
Page updated on February 3, 2017 by Karyn Techau