Ferry–Midway Border Crossing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ferry–Midway Border Crossing |
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Canada Border Inspection Station at Midway, BC
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| Location | |
| Country | United States; Canada |
| Location |
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| Coordinates | 49°00′00″N 118°45′40″W / 49.000077°N 118.761091°W |
| Details | |
| Opened | 1896 |
| Hours | 9:00AM – 5:00PM |
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U.S. Inspection Station – Ferry, Washington
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| MPS | U.S. Border Inspection Stations MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000611 |
| Added to NRHP | September 10, 2014 |
The Ferry–Midway Border Crossing is a special place where the United States and Canada meet. It connects two towns: Curlew, Washington in the US and Midway, British Columbia in Canada. Here, Customs Road on the American side joins Dominion Street on the Canadian side. This crossing helps people and goods travel safely between the two countries.
History of the Crossing
This border crossing has been open since 1896. It helps control who and what enters each country. Border crossings are important for keeping countries safe and organized.
Trains and the Border
Long ago, trains also crossed the border here! In 1900, the Canadian Pacific Railway built tracks that reached Midway, Canada. A few years later, in 1905, the Great Northern Railway built tracks from Curlew, Washington, right up to the border. This meant trains could carry goods and people between the two countries.
However, the Great Northern Railway tracks on the US side were removed in 1935. After that, trains stopped crossing the border at this spot.
The Canadian Side
The Canadian side of the crossing has a long history. In 1896, a small office was set up to collect mail and customs fees. A year later, a full customs office opened. This office handled all the checks for people and goods crossing the border.
The first customs officer was James Sutherland, who worked there from 1897 to 1899. The original customs office building was on the southwestern side of the road. In 1927, an oak tree was planted in front of it to celebrate a visit from the Prince of Wales. That old building is no longer there.
The building used by the Canada Border Services Agency today was built in 1951.
The US Side
After the Great Northern Railway tracks were removed, the town of Ferry, Washington became very quiet. It almost turned into a ghost town.
The current US border station building was built in 1936. It's considered an important historical building. In 2014, it was added to the US National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized for its special history and architecture.
The Curlew Border Patrol Station also helps keep the border safe. It opened in 2003 and patrols about 39 miles of the border in Ferry and Okanogan Counties.
