Peace Arch is located on Interstate 5, in the city of Blaine, twenty-one miles north of Bellingham, at the US/Canadian border, in Whatcom County. Point Roberts Historical Marker located on Point Roberts Peninsula, 15 miles west of Blaine.

Acreage

19.95 acres.

Acquired

This park was acquired in 23 very small parcels; the first in 1931 and the last in 1966, for a total cost of $34,572.

Historical Background

The concrete "Peace Arch" was the inspiration of Sam Hill, railroad builder and industrialist, and construction was begun in 1920. The arch commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Gheut in 1814 and the Rush-Bagot Agreement of 1817 entered into by the King of England and President Monroe providing for an unguarded US/Canadian border from the Bay of Fundy to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Both treaties resulted from the War of 1812 with Great Britain.

Facilities

The Peace Arch, 100 picnic sites, parking for 350 vehicles, 1 reservable kitchen shelter, 2 comfort stations, residence, shop, greenhouse, 0.6 miles of road, .10 mile of trail, .8 mile of interpretive trail. Water and sewer are supplied by the city of Blaine.

Activities

Annual US/Canadian "Peace Arch" Day, Horticultural displays, interpretation, picnicking, and miscellaneous city sponsored recreational programs.

Of Special Interest

The Peace Arch, a 67-foot jointly maintained structure, on the US/Canadian Border. Twenty-five thousand annual flowers are planted each year.