Peace Arch Historical State Park

This Washington Historical State Park devoted to peace and serenity. Peace Arch is unique among parks because it consists of two parks in two countries. The southern half of the park and the monument itself is owned by Washington State Parks and the northern half of the park, by British Columbia Parks. The 67-foot concrete arch was constructed to honor the centennial of the treaties resulting from the War of 1812. These agreements between the U.S. and Britain established a peaceful, undefended border between the U.S. and Canada.

Other than the famous arch, this 19 acre park is full of lush gardens. There are around 80 picnic tables making this a great destination picnic area. Or plan an event and use the American Kitchen facility which is available for day-use rental. During weekends, there is even a Snack Shack concession stand offered inside the park.

During Covid 19, the border was closed but thousands of love ones divided by the closure of the border spent time visiting together at this park.

The 67-foot Peace Arch was the vision of Sam Hill, a prominent road builder, Quaker and humanitarian, who built many landmark structures in Oregon and Washington. Hill bought property in both countries for the construction of the arch. Peace Arch was the first arch in the U.S. to be dedicated to peace and is still one of very few in the world.

The arch design is widely believed to be the work of renowned architect Harvey Wiley Corbett. Construction was completed Sept. 6, 1921. The structure commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 and the Rush- Bagot Agreement in 1817. The treaties, signed by the king of England and President Monroe, provided for peaceful resolution of U.S. - British disputes and an unguarded U.S./Canadian border. The treaties resulted from the War of 1812 with Great Britain.

In 1931, the property on the Washington side became a Washington State Park. In 1939, British Columbia added Peace Arch Provincial Park to its park system.

The Pacific Highway, the precursor to Interstate 5, was diverted in 1932 to pass along either side of the arch. A much-expanded I-5 still runs north and southbound on each side of the arch.