St. John–Lena Border Crossing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. John–Lena Border Crossing |
|
|---|---|
US–Canada border at St. John, North Dakota
|
|
| Location | |
| Country | United States; Canada |
| Location |
|
| Coordinates | 48°59′57″N 99°39′32″W / 48.999278°N 99.658866°W |
| Details | |
| Opened | 1930 |
| US Phone | (701) 477-3140 |
| Canadian Phone | (204) 523-8450 |
| Hours | Open 8:00 AM-9:00 PM |
|
U.S. Inspection Station-St. John, North Dakota
|
|
| MPS | U.S. Border Inspection Stations MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000588 |
| Added to NRHP | September 10, 2014 |
The St. John–Lena Border Crossing is a special place where the United States and Canada meet. It connects the small town of St. John, North Dakota in the U.S. with Killarney, Manitoba in Canada. This crossing is important for people and goods traveling between the two countries.
On the American side, you'll find North Dakota Highway 30 leading to the border. On the Canadian side, Manitoba Highway 18 connects to the crossing. These highways help travelers reach the border stations where officials check passports and other documents.
Contents
What is a Border Crossing?
A border crossing is like a gateway between two countries. It's a place where people and vehicles must stop so that border officials can check them. This helps keep both countries safe and makes sure that everyone follows the rules for entering or leaving.
History of the Border Stations
Border stations are buildings where officials work. They check travelers and make sure everything is in order. The stations at St. John and Lena have changed over the years.
The U.S. Border Station
The American border station in St. John, North Dakota, was built in 1937. It's an important building because of its history and design. In 2014, this station was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a special place that should be protected because of its historical value.
The Canadian Border Station
Before 1930, the Canadian border station was located in Killarney, Manitoba. This was about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from the actual border. This distance made it difficult for local people to use the crossing. It also made it easier for people to try to cross the border without being checked.
To fix these problems, a new Canadian border station was built in Lena, Manitoba, right at the border, in 1930. This made it much more convenient for everyone. The station built in 1930 was later replaced with a newer one in 1961.
