Peace Arch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peace Arch |
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The Peace Arch from the U.S. side.
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| Location | Blaine, Washington, U.S. Surrey, British Columbia, Canada |
| Height | 67 feet (20 m) |
| Built | 1921 |
| Architect | Harvey Wiley Corbett |
| Architectural style(s) | Classical Revival |
| Governing body | Local |
| Designated | December 13, 1996 |
| Reference no. | 96001493 |
The Peace Arch (French: Arche de la Paix) is a special monument. It stands right on the border between Canada and the United States. You can find it near Blaine, Washington in the U.S. and Surrey, British Columbia in Canada.
This tall arch, about 20.5 meters (67 feet) high, was built by an American lawyer named Sam Hill. It was finished in September 1921. The Peace Arch celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. This treaty ended a war and started a long history of peace between the two countries.
The monument is built exactly on the U.S.–Canada boundary. It sits in the grassy area between the lanes of Interstate 5 (in the U.S.) and Highway 99 (in Canada). The arch and the land around it are part of Peace Arch Park. This park also includes the Peace Arch Border Crossing, which is a very busy place where people cross the border.
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What Makes the Peace Arch Special?
The Peace Arch has the flags of the United States and Canada on its top. It also has two important messages carved into its sides. On the U.S. side, it says "Children of a common mother." On the Canadian side, the words are "Brethren dwelling together in unity." These messages show the strong friendship between the two nations.
Inside the arch, there are iron gates on each side of the border. Above these gates, there are more messages. The one on the east side says, "May these gates never be closed." The message on the west side reads, "1814 Open One Hundred Years 1914." These words remind us of the long-lasting peace.
The International Park
The land around the Peace Arch is called Peace Arch Park. It is made up of Peace Arch Provincial Park on the Canadian side and Peace Arch State Park on the American side. This park is considered an international park. This means visitors usually do not need a passport or visa to enter the park. However, they must stay within the park and leave from the same country they entered.
About 500,000 people visit the Peace Arch every year. It is a popular spot for people to enjoy the peace and beauty.
The Border Crossing
Because of the Peace Arch monument, the border crossing here is often called the "Peace Arch Border Crossing." In Canada, its official name is Douglas. This name honors Sir James Douglas, who was the first governor of the Colony of British Columbia. This crossing is one of the busiest between Canada and the United States. It is the busiest one west of Detroit.
History of the Peace Arch
People were crossing the border at this spot long before the Peace Arch was built in 1921.
In 1914, a lawyer from Washington state named Samuel Hill had an idea. He started a worldwide effort to raise money to build the Arch. A famous architect from London, H.W. Corbett, offered his skills to design the Arch for free. Volunteers from different countries began building it in 1920. The Peace Arch was officially opened on September 6, 1921. It was one of the first buildings in North America designed to stand strong during an earthquake.
Special Events at the Park
The Peace Arch Park has been the location for many international events and even protests. In 1952, a famous African-American singer and activist named Paul Robeson performed there. He was not allowed to travel outside the U.S. at the time. So, he sang from a truck on the American side of the border to an audience in Canada.
On February 9, 2010, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay visited the Canadian side of the Peace Arch. The Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell, and the Governor of Washington, Christine Gregoire, spoke to a large crowd.
See also
In Spanish: Arco de la Paz para niños
