Beecher Falls–East Hereford Border Crossing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beecher Falls–East Hereford Border Crossing |
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Beecher Falls Vermont Border Inspection Station as seen in 2016
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| Location | |
| Country | United States; Canada |
| Location |
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| Coordinates | 45°00′48″N 71°30′19″W / 45.013376°N 71.505353°W |
| Details | |
| Opened | 1926 |
| US Phone | (802) 266-3336 |
| Canadian Phone | (819) 844-2243 |
| Hours | Open 24 Hours (Canadian station only open business hours Sunday-Friday for commercial traffic) |
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U.S. Inspection Station-Beecher Falls, Vermont
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| MPS | U.S. Border Inspection Stations MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000602 |
| Added to NRHP | September 10, 2014 |
The Beecher Falls–East Hereford Border Crossing is a special place where the United States and Canada meet. It connects the small village of Beecher Falls, Vermont, with the town of East Hereford, Quebec. This crossing is an important point for people and goods traveling between the two countries.
You can reach this border crossing using Vermont Route 253 on the American side. On the Canadian side, it's connected by Quebec Route 253. Both the Canadian and U.S. stations are open all day, every day. The U.S. station buildings were built in the 1930s and are now recognized as a historic site.
Contents
What is a Border Crossing?
A border crossing is a specific place where people and vehicles can legally cross from one country into another. At these points, government officials check passports and goods. This helps keep both countries safe and organized.
Where is the Crossing Located?
The border between Quebec in Canada and Vermont in the U.S. is mostly a straight line. The Beecher Falls crossing is near the eastern end of this line. It's close to a small stream called Halls Stream.
The village of Beecher Falls in Vermont is right next to the border. A furniture factory is located very close to the border line. The Canadian side of the border is mostly quiet, with forests and open fields. This crossing is one of 15 different places where you can cross into Canada from Vermont.
A Look at the Past
Long ago, there was a special "line house" right on the border at this spot. People used this house during a time when alcohol was illegal in the U.S. They would cross the border to get drinks.
In the 1920s, there were three bridges nearby that crossed Halls Stream. At that time, there weren't many border officials checking travelers. People were expected to report to the main station in Beecher Falls. Sadly, all three bridges were washed away in a big flood in 1929.
The Canadian Border Station
The first border station on the Canadian side in East Hereford was built in the 1930s. It was a simple, white wooden building with a sloped roof. This style was common for border stations back then. This original building was replaced in 1960 with the current station, which has a similar look.
The U.S. Border Station
The U.S. border station is right next to the border on the Vermont side. Its main building is made of brick and has a classic design. It has a special covered area where cars can drive through to be checked by officers.
The building was constructed in 1932. This was part of a bigger plan by the U.S. government to improve border security. At that time, more people were traveling by car, and there was an increase in illegal activities. The government wanted to make sure borders were safe and orderly. The Beecher Falls station is a good example of the standard designs used for these new border facilities.
Images for kids
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Beecher Falls Vermont Border Inspection Station as seen in 2016
