Train sent in 1952 by the school children of Wichita.  It is located in the Pasteur Park, Orléans.  http://www.cartoloiret.com/Commune%20Orleans.htm Orléans is a city in north-central France, about 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Paris and is the capital of the Loiret department. Photo album The city is on a strategic point on the Loire river and with its bridge, it was able to charge tolls to those traveling to and from Paris in the north. Thus bcoming a wealthy city in the Middle Ages. Joan of Arc liberated Orléans and she is honoured to this day as the Maid of Orléans.  In 1306, the University of Orléans was granted the rights and privileges of a university. During World War II, the Nazis turned the railroad station in Orléans into a major logistical hub.  It was heavily bombed during the liberation.  In August 1944, the Americans including the 137th infantry from the Kansas 35th Division liberated the people of Orléans from the Nazi occupation.                                                                            Today, there are 3 soldiers from the company who are still living in  Wichita In 1973, Wichita and Orléans formally became sister cities.  Original statue was presented in 1970 by the people of Orléans but was removed due to concerns over its condition.  The copy was cast and rededicated and stands by the Wichita Main Library. L’Association Orléans-Wichita (OW!)   L’Association Orléans-Wichita (OW!) held its inaugural event on Thanksgiving Day 2008 in Orléans ,  France .   Wichita sent both a  Wichita and an American flag as a surprise gift to “OW!” for this opening event.  See photos  OW! was organized to assist the mayor’s office in Orléans to increase relationships between the two cities and to develop ties of friendship between citizens of all ages.  Marie-Héléna Taquet, the first President of Orléans-Wichita, visited Wichita February 26-March 6, 2009.  The purpose of her trip was to visit the city sights and to promote social, cultural and educational exchanges between Orléans and  Wichita .     The members of OW! meet each month to speak English and discuss various aspects of American culture and in particular that of  Kansas and  Wichita .To learn more about OW!, please visit their website at http://www.orleans-wichita.com/default.htm