On May 31, 1929 the last orphan train leaves New York City for Sulphur Springs, Texas. From 1854 to 1929, 250,000 abandoned or orphaned children in East Coast cities were passengers on these trips. Started by the Children’s Aid Society, later joined by New York Foundling, these orphans were resettled with families who promised to give them shelter, an education, and a place to grow up.