Peace Arch, Blaine/Surrey

The Peace Arch stands directly on the United States-Canada border between Blaine, Washington, and Surrey, British Columbia. It is situated in Peace Arch Park, which uniquely straddles the international boundary. Visitors can freely walk between the two countries within the park grounds.

The monument was built in 1921 to commemorate the centennial of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812. It stands as a symbol of the lasting peace between the US and Canada. The arch's inscription reads "Children of a common mother" on one side and "Brethren dwelling together in unity" on the other.

The Peace Arch was designed by American architect Harvey Wiley Corbett. The 67-foot-tall white concrete structure is built in an arch style reminiscent of classical Roman monuments. Its construction was spearheaded by local businessman and philanthropist Sam Hill.

You cannot drive through the park itself, as it is a pedestrian-only area. However, Interstate 5 on the US side and Highway 99 on the Canadian side run directly adjacent to it. Travelers must pass through the nearby Peace Arch border crossing, one of the busiest crossings between the two countries.