The Peace Arch
On the border between Canada and Blaine, Washington, there stands a Peace Arch. Every year, over 500,000 tourists come and visit this very special arch and the surrounding park.
Unique in the world, the Peace Arch stands in two different countries and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places at a whopping 67-feet tall
“Commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 and the Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817. The treaties, signed by the kind of England and President Monroe, provided for peaceful resolution of the U.S.- British disputes and an unguarded U.S./ Canadian border. The treaties resulted from the War of 1812 with Great Britain.”
While visiting, feel free to walk along the gardens, where azaleas, dahlias, tea roses and more bloom each year. The total property in twenty acres, with a 0.6-mile hiking trail, swing set and two horseshoe pits. This is a great stop for everyone on their road trip.
Sam Hill, the founder of the Maryhill Museum of Art, was also the designer of this arch. He is described as a humanitarian and a Quaker. Another fact making this a unique scene, is that it is one of the few statues to be dedicated to peace in the world.
For a complete map of the monument, click here.
In script on the U.S. side, it reads, “Children of a common mother.” On the Canadian side, it reads, “Brethren dwelling together in unity.” Each side has an iron gate, and on the east side stating, “May these gates never be closed,” and “1814 Open One Hundred Years 1914.”
When visiting this arch, let us remember that peace is always possible, as long as we all keep patient.
(We do not own these photographs.)
