The History in Orphan Train

Vivian did not have a choice in how her life turned out. When her entire family dies in a fire Vivian is left helpless and all alone. With no choice in the matter she is sent out West to be put on display in different town to see if any family would like to take her. She meets Dutchy who rightfully believes he will be put to work as a farm hand. When they and the other orphans are put on display they are forced to stand silent as they are poked and prodded by their prospective "parents". However, as one of the women from the PBS documentary mentioned, many of these people did not want children: they wanted a slave.

Only then does the stark similarity between the orphan trains and the slave trade become clear. Just like the African Americans forced into slavery these children were at the mercy of anyone who took them. There was practically no way to monitor their treatment and welfare. Many adolescent boys, like Dutchy were used as free labor and had no choice but to be worked to death or run away.  

The Great Depression also functions as a large plot point of the novel. People were first eager to take the free labor offered by the children. But soon another mouth to feed was not work it. At her first home with the Byrnes, Vivian experiences just this. Mrs. Byrne was eager to use Vivian as a seamstress until the Depression set in. Then she herself fell into a depression and refused to care for Vivian any longer.

The book also parallels the very sad and real incidents that occurred during World War II. Vivian is able to keep her store running throughout rationing and even flourishing throughout the war but  nonetheless she experiences terrible tragedy. Dutchy, who she reunited with and married, dies fighting in the war. There were about 5 million "war widows" after World War II. Vivian becomes one of these women and sadly gives up her child for adoption after her ordeal.

The history of Orphan Train was so well researched by Christina Baker Kline. She created an authentic historical environment that Vivian lives through.