When we think of Thanksgiving, most of us picture a golden-brown turkey at the center of the table. But have you ever wondered how turkeys made their way from farms to families across the country? The answer is tied to the history of America’s freight railroads.
According to the National Turkey Federation, the U.S. turkey industry supports over 387,000 jobs and $22 billion in wages, many in rural communities. Including related sectors like distribution and manufacturing, the industry generates a total economic impact of $103.4 billion — growth built on a strong transportation network, with railroads at its core.
19th Century: Rails Bring Turkeys to the Table
- 1830s beginnings: As America’s railroads took shape, turkey farming was already thriving in the Midwest and along the East Coast.
- Holiday demand grows: By the mid-1800s, the expansion of the rail network made it possible to move turkeys farther and faster, especially in the lead-up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Turkeys were often transported live in crates, headed for urban markets eager for holiday feasts.
- Late 1800s innovation: Railroads began developing specialized poultry cars equipped with coops and crates. By then, shipping turkeys by rail had become a well-established Thanksgiving tradition.
20th Century: From Live Birds to Frozen Birds
- Early 1900s improvements: Refrigerated rail cars allowed dressed turkeys (slaughtered but not frozen) to reach markets with longer shelf life — a major step forward.
- Mid-century breakthrough: As refrigeration technology advanced, shipping frozen turkeys became the norm. This transformed Thanksgiving, making turkey accessible to millions of families no matter how far they lived from a farm.
Today: Rail Keeps the Tradition Alive
Fast-forward to the present, and railroads remain a vital link in the holiday supply chain. While live turkeys now travel by truck, railroads carry the grain that feeds them and the refrigerated cars that distribute frozen turkeys and turkey products nationwide. As Thanksgiving approaches each year, trains quietly help ensure that the centerpiece of your feast arrives on time.