This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on the Canada–United States border. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

The Unseen Line

A scholarly examination of the historical, geographical, and operational complexities of the world's longest international boundary.

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Overview

North America's Defining Boundary

The Canada–United States border represents the international boundary between Canada and the United States, two sovereign nations in North America. It is a critical geopolitical feature, defining the northern extent of the contiguous United States and the southern reach of Canada.

The World's Longest

Stretching an impressive 8,891 kilometers (5,525 miles), this border holds the distinction of being the longest international land border in the world. Its immense length traverses diverse landscapes, from dense forests and vast plains to major waterways and mountainous regions, reflecting the expansive territories of both nations.

A Unique Relationship

Often referred to as the "undefended border," it symbolizes a unique and enduring relationship between Canada and the United States, characterized by extensive economic ties, cultural exchange, and a shared commitment to security and cooperation. Despite its length, it is largely peaceful and managed through bilateral agreements and joint commissions.

History

Origins

The initial establishment of the Canada–United States border dates back to September 3, 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. This pivotal treaty marked the formal conclusion of the American War of Independence, delineating the boundaries of the newly independent United States and British North America.

Evolving Demarcation

While the Treaty of Paris laid the groundwork, the border's precise configuration evolved over more than a century through a series of subsequent agreements. Its current shape was largely finalized on April 11, 1908, following the Treaty of 1908, which resolved many of the remaining ambiguities and disputes regarding its exact demarcation.

The following treaties were instrumental in shaping the Canada-United States border:

  • Treaty of Paris (1783): Established the initial boundaries after the American Revolutionary War.
  • Jay Treaty (1794): Addressed various issues, including border disputes and trade, post-Revolutionary War.
  • Treaty of 1818: Set the boundary along the 49th parallel from the Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains.
  • Webster–Ashburton Treaty (1842): Resolved the Aroostook War and established the border in the Northeast, particularly Maine and New Brunswick.
  • Oregon Treaty (1846): Extended the 49th parallel boundary westward to the Pacific Ocean, settling the Oregon boundary dispute.

Geography

Diverse Landscapes

The Canada-United States border traverses an extraordinary array of geographical features. From the Arctic waters in the north to the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, it encompasses vast oceans, significant inland seas, numerous rivers, and expansive lakes. This geographical diversity presents unique challenges and opportunities for border management and environmental stewardship.

Continental Divides

Notably, the border intersects major hydrological divides, including the Continental Divide of the Americas, which separates drainage basins flowing to the Pacific Ocean from those flowing to the Arctic Ocean and Hudson Bay. Further east, it crosses the Laurentian Divide, delineating waters flowing into the Hudson Bay Basin from those draining into the Gulf of Mexico Basin. These natural features underscore the intricate relationship between the border and the continent's hydrological systems.

Crossings

Points of Entry and Natural Features

Along its extensive length, the Canada-United States border features numerous official land, sea, and air crossings, alongside significant natural geographical markers. These points facilitate the movement of people and goods, while the natural features often define segments of the boundary itself.

The following table provides a comprehensive list of notable geographical features and border crossings along the Canada-United States border:

Feature/Crossing Type
Arctic OceanOcean
Beaufort SeaSea
Continental Divide (Arctic/Pacific Basin)Divide
Porcupine RiverRiver
Arctic CircleGeographical Line
Yukon RiverRiver
Poker Creek–Little Gold CreekBorder Crossing
Alcan–Beaver CreekBorder Crossing
Yukon / British ColumbiaProvincial/State Boundary
Dalton Cache–Pleasant CampBorder Crossing
Skagway–FraserBorder Crossing
White Pass and Yukon RouteTransportation Route
Hyder–StewartBorder Crossing
Ketchikan (AMH)Ferry Terminal
Portland CanalWaterway
Alaska Marine HighwayFerry Route
Dixon EntranceWaterway
Alaska / British ColumbiaState/Provincial Boundary
Prince Rupert (AMH)Ferry Terminal
Strait of Juan de FucaWaterway
Port Angeles–Victoria FerryFerry Route
Puget SoundWaterway
Seattle–Victoria FerryFerry Route
Haro StraitWaterway
Friday Harbor–Sidney FerryFerry Route
Anacortes–Sidney FerryFerry Route
Boundary PassWaterway
Bellingham (AMH)Ferry Terminal
Strait of GeorgiaWaterway
Point Roberts–Boundary BayBorder Crossing
Boundary BayWaterway
Amtrak CascadesRail Route
Peace Arch Border CrossingBorder Crossing
Pacific Highway Border CrossingBorder Crossing
Lynden–AldergroveBorder Crossing
Sumas–HuntingdonBorder Crossing
Nighthawk–ChopakaBorder Crossing
Ross LakeLake
Silver Skagit RoadRoad
Pacific Crest TrailTrail
Pasayten RiverRiver
Oroville–OsoyoosBorder Crossing
Osoyoos LakeLake
Ferry–MidwayBorder Crossing
Danville–CarsonBorder Crossing
Laurier–CascadeBorder Crossing
Frontier–PatersonBorder Crossing
Columbia RiverRiver
Boundary–WanetaBorder Crossing
Pend Oreille RiverRiver
Metaline Falls–NelwayBorder Crossing
Washington / IdahoState Boundary
Kootenay RiverRiver
Porthill-RykertsBorder Crossing
Eastport–KingsgateBorder Crossing
Idaho / MontanaState Boundary
Lake KoocanusaLake
Eureka–RoosvilleBorder Crossing
North Fork Flathead RiverRiver
Continental Divide (Pacific/Hudson Bay)Divide
Continental Divide TrailTrail
Waterton LakeLake
Chief Mountain Border CrossingBorder Crossing
Piegan–CarwayBorder Crossing
St. Mary RiverRiver
Laurentian Divide (Hudson Bay/Gulf of Mexico Basin)Divide
Del Bonita Border CrossingBorder Crossing
Milk River (Alberta–Montana)River
Sweetgrass–CouttsBorder Crossing
Whitlash–AdenBorder Crossing
Milk RiverRiver
Wild Horse Border CrossingBorder Crossing
Alberta / SaskatchewanProvincial Boundary
Willow Creek Border CrossingBorder Crossing
Turner–ClimaxBorder Crossing
Morgan–MonchyBorder Crossing
Opheim–West Poplar RiverBorder Crossing
Scobey–CoronachBorder Crossing
Raymond–RegwayBorder Crossing
Montana / North DakotaState Boundary
Fortuna–OungreBorder Crossing
Laurentian Divide (Gulf of Mexico/Hudson Bay)Divide
Ambrose–TorquayBorder Crossing
Noonan–Estevan HighwayBorder Crossing
Portal–North PortalBorder Crossing

Treaties

Diplomatic Foundations

The Canada-United States border is not merely a geographical line but a product of extensive diplomatic negotiations and agreements. A series of treaties, spanning over a century, meticulously defined and refined its course, reflecting the evolving political landscapes and territorial claims of both nations.

Landmark Agreements

Key treaties that shaped the border include the Treaty of Paris (1783), which first established the boundary after the American Revolutionary War; the Jay Treaty (1794), addressing early post-war issues; the Treaty of 1818, which set the 49th parallel as a significant portion of the boundary; the Webster–Ashburton Treaty (1842), resolving disputes in the northeastern regions; and the Oregon Treaty (1846), extending the 49th parallel to the Pacific, settling the contentious Oregon boundary dispute.

Disputes

Ongoing Issues

Despite the long history of cooperation and demarcation, certain areas along the Canada-United States border remain subject to ongoing disputes. These unresolved territorial claims or interpretations of boundary lines highlight the complex nature of international borders, even between close allies.

Areas of Contention

While the source material indicates the existence of current disputes, it does not detail specific examples. Such disputes typically involve differing interpretations of historical treaties, geographical features, or resource rights in border regions. These issues are generally managed through diplomatic channels and international law, reflecting the mature relationship between Canada and the United States.

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References

References

  1.  The Kazakhstan–Russia border is the world's longest continuous land border.
  2.  Henry Commager, "England and Oregon Treaty of 1846". Oregon Historical Quarterly 28.1 (1927): 18–38 online.
  3.  Walter N. Sage, "The Oregon Treaty of 1846". Canadian Historical Review 27.4 (1946): 349–367.
  4.  Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1, s. 11
  5.  19 U.S.C. Â§ 1459.
  6.  Crossing Through Canada
  7.  Simpson, Victoria. 2020. "4 Airports Shared By The U.S. And Canada." WorldAtlas. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  8.  Aroostook Valley Country Club, Club History
A full list of references for this article are available at the Canada–United States border Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official geopolitical or legal advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official government documentation, legal counsel, or expert analysis on international borders, treaties, or geopolitical matters. Always refer to official government sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries regarding border regulations, international law, or historical interpretations.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.