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The emotional story of children sent westward to find a new family told in new documentary

‘West by Orphan Train’ chronicles the adoption practice that lasted decades

west by orphan train keyart
west by orphan train keyart
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The emotional story of children sent westward to find a new family told in new documentary

‘West by Orphan Train’ chronicles the adoption practice that lasted decades

Step back in time to March 15, 1906, when the Orphan Train pulled into the Eastern Iowa town of Hopkinton. Townsfolk paused in their daily routines, drawn to the unusual gathering prompted by the newspaper's notice—children seeking new homes. This was just one day of the Orphan Train Movement, and it aimed to offer these children with no relatives and no homes a chance at family life in rural areas where they might thrive.These stories are highlighted in the new documentary available on Very Local, “West by Orphan Train.” The film is streaming now, and dives into the stories of these children, capturing the hopes and uncertainties that marked their journey from bustling New York orphanages to the quiet, expansive farms of the Midwest. It sheds light on the complex social experiment that redistributed 250,000 orphaned or homeless children across the United States over 75 years. How to watch “West by Orphan Train”Very Local is the only streaming service that brings you closer than ever to your hometown and beyond, offering 24/7 access to local news, weather, originals and more. The app is available on all mobile, tablet, and connected TV devices. Download the Very Local App on your mobile or tablet device HERE.

Step back in time to March 15, 1906, when the Orphan Train pulled into the Eastern Iowa town of Hopkinton. Townsfolk paused in their daily routines, drawn to the unusual gathering prompted by the newspaper's notice—children seeking new homes. This was just one day of the Orphan Train Movement, and it aimed to offer these children with no relatives and no homes a chance at family life in rural areas where they might thrive.

These stories are highlighted in the new documentary available on Very Local, “West by Orphan Train.” The film is streaming now, and dives into the stories of these children, capturing the hopes and uncertainties that marked their journey from bustling New York orphanages to the quiet, expansive farms of the Midwest. It sheds light on the complex social experiment that redistributed 250,000 orphaned or homeless children across the United States over 75 years.

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How to watch “West by Orphan Train”

Very Local is the only streaming service that brings you closer than ever to your hometown and beyond, offering 24/7 access to local news, weather, originals and more. The app is available on all mobile, tablet, and connected TV devices.

Download the Very Local App on your mobile or tablet device HERE.