Noyes–Emerson East Border Crossing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Noyes–Emerson East Border Crossing |
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Former Noyes Customs and Immigration Station
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| Location | |
| Country | United States; Canada |
| Location |
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| Coordinates | 49°00′02″N 97°12′26″W / 49.000448°N 97.207301°W |
| Details | |
| Canadian port closed | June 8, 2003 |
| US port closed | July 10, 2006 |
The Noyes–Emerson East Border Crossing was a special place where people and goods used to cross between Canada and the United States. It connected the small town of Noyes, Minnesota, with Emerson, Manitoba. On the American side, it was linked by US Highway 75. On the Canadian side, it used Provincial Trunk Highway 75.
For many years, this crossing was one of the busiest spots for cars and trains traveling between the two countries, especially west of the Great Lakes. However, the road crossing closed in 2006. Now, all traffic that wants to cross the border in this area goes to the nearby Pembina–Emerson Border Crossing instead.
Contents
History of the Crossing
Early Border Stations
The very first place to cross the border in this area was built in 1871. It was located at West Lynne, Manitoba, which is now part of Emerson. This first station was on the west side of the Red River of the North.
As more people started driving cars, a new road called the Jefferson Highway was built. This highway crossed into Canada at Noyes. Because of this, the United States opened a new border station in the 1910s. This new station was on the east side of the river.
A Busy Border Point
The new crossing quickly became one of the busiest along the entire Canada–US border. In 1931, the US built a large, new station. They also changed the route of US Highway 75 to connect with the Jefferson Highway.
The US Inspection Station at Noyes was one of the first buildings ever made just for checking people at a border. It is still standing today. It is even listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.
Two Crossings in Emerson
For a long time, the town of Emerson, Manitoba, had two border crossings. One was on the west side of the Red River, across from Pembina, North Dakota. This one used US Highway 81. The other was the Noyes crossing on the east side, which used US Highway 75.
At first, both Canadian crossings used the same customs building in downtown Emerson. But in the mid-1950s, separate stations were built. The station across from Pembina was called "West Lynne." The larger station across from Noyes was known as "Emerson East."
Changes in Traffic Flow
In 1949, the government of Manitoba changed the route of PTH 75. It was originally called PTH 14. This change made PTH 75 connect directly with US 75. A short road was also built to connect to the Pembina–West Lynne Border Crossing.
The Noyes–Emerson East crossing remained the main way to cross the border through the 1960s and 1970s. However, things changed when Interstate 29 (I-29) replaced US 81. New, modern border stations were built by both countries at Pembina and West Lynne.
Traffic at the Noyes–Emerson East crossing started to drop a lot. Most drivers began using the new Interstate highway and the updated facilities at Pembina–West Lynne. The Manitoba government also changed the road connections in Emerson in 1985. This made it easier for traffic to go to the Pembina–West Lynne facilities.
Why the Crossing Closed
Even though the Noyes–Emerson East crossings were still used by local people in the early 2000s, they were not as busy. In 2003, the Canadian government closed its border station. This was done to save money. All remaining border checks were moved to the West Lynne crossing, which was then renamed "Emerson."
The old Emerson East border station was torn down in 2004. The land was later sold by the Canadian government. For a few more years, only traffic going into the US was allowed at Noyes. But in 2006, the US also closed its port of entry. The road between the former border stations was then blocked off permanently.
United States Customs and Border Protection agents continued to use the Noyes border station building until 2011. After that, the building and land were put up for sale.
Today, if you want to travel on PTH 75 in Manitoba or US 75 in Minnesota, you must go through the Pembina–Emerson (West Lynne) crossings. US 75 now ends at Noyes. PTH 75 has been rerouted to connect with I-29. The Lancaster–Tolstoi Border Crossing is now the westernmost border crossing between Minnesota and Manitoba.
The train tracks and train inspection buildings next to the old road crossing are still open. They are managed by the Pembina and Emerson border offices.
Border Activity and Safety
Increased Crossings
Because of its location and the old buildings, the former Noyes–Emerson East border area has sometimes been used for unofficial border crossings. After 2017, there was an increase in people trying to cross into Canada without going through official channels. These people were often seeking safety or a new home in Canada.
This increase in people trying to cross the border, both at the official Pembina–Emerson crossing and the former Noyes–Emerson area, has been reported by news around the world. It led to the Canadian government talking with the US government about an agreement that helps decide where asylum seekers can make their claim.
Dangers of Unofficial Crossings
Trying to cross the border unofficially can be very dangerous. People can face harsh weather and difficult conditions. For example, in May 2017, a 57-year-old man from Ghana passed away from extreme cold while trying to cross into Canada from Noyes. In January 2022, four members of a family were found deceased in a field about ten kilometers east of Emerson. They were trying to enter the US during very cold temperatures, around −35 °C (−31 °F). These events show the serious risks involved in attempting to cross the border outside of official ports of entry.
