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HistoryThe 67-foot Peace Arch is jointly maintained by the United States and Canada. The concrete structure was the inspiration of Sam Hill, railroad builder and industrialist. Construction (begun in 1920) completed Sept. 6, 1921. The words which are printed on the U.S. side of the Peace Arch are "Children of a Common Mother" and "Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity" is on the Canadian side. In the middle of the arch are the words "May These Gates Never Be Closed" and on the opposite side in the middle is "1814 Open One Hundred Years." The Arch commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 and the Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817. Entered into by the king of England and President Monroe, these treaties provided for an unguarded United States/Canadian border from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Bay of Fundy. Both treaties resulted from the War of 1812 with Great Britain.
Interpretive opportunitiesAnnual Keep U.S./ Canada Peace Arch Day features horticultural displays, interpretation, picnicking and recreational programs.
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