Pearse Canal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pearse Canal |
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 Pearse Canal
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | Alaska and British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 54°53′54″N 130°23′33″W / 54.89833°N 130.39250°W |
| Type | Channel or Strait |
| Ocean/sea sources | Pacific Ocean |
| Basin countries | Canada and United States |
Pearse Canal is a narrow water passage, like a channel or strait. It forms part of the Canada–United States border. This border is located at the southern tip of the Alaska Panhandle.
The canal is next to the mouth of Portland Inlet. It runs along the northwest side of Wales Island and Pearse Island. These islands are part of British Columbia, Canada. Pearse Canal also touches the southwestern edge of Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska, United States.
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Where Pearse Canal Got Its Name
This water passage was named by Captain Daniel Pender. He named it in 1868 while he was surveying, or mapping, the coast. The name was chosen because of its closeness to Pearse Island.
How Pearse Canal Became a Border
Pearse Canal became an important part of the border between Canada and the United States. This happened after a big disagreement called the Alaska boundary dispute. This dispute was settled by a special agreement.
The Alaska Boundary Settlement
The agreement that set the border was called the Hay-Herbert Treaty. It was also known as the Alaska Boundary Settlement. This treaty was signed on January 24, 1903. Before this, the United States had claimed Wales Island and Pearse Island.
Defining "Portland Channel"
Under the new treaty, Pearse Canal, along with Tongass Passage and the Portland Canal, was officially called "Portland Channel." This term was first used in the Anglo-Russian Treaty of 1825. However, for many years, no one knew exactly where "Portland Channel" was on maps.
Solving the Border Mystery
The exact meaning of "Portland Channel" was a big part of the border dispute. Some people thought it meant Clarence Strait. Others, especially in the U.S., believed it was south of Wales Island. Figuring out what "Portland Channel" truly meant helped solve the border puzzle in this area.
