Peace Arch Monument: A Century of Peace

Children of a Common Mother

Standing tall at the border between British Columbia and Washington State, the Peace Arch Monument represents one of the most visible symbols of friendship between Canada and the United States.

Constructed in 1921, the monument commemorates the centennial of the Treaty of Ghent, signed in 1814. This treaty, which ended the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States, laid the foundation for lasting peace and friendly relations between Canada (then a British colony) and the United States. It established what would become the world's longest undefended border, marking the beginning of an extraordinary era of peace between our nations that has endured for over two centuries.

The Peace Arch stands 20.5 metres (67 feet) tall and straddles the international boundary at the busiest crossing between Canada and the U.S. on the west coast. Its location in Peace Arch Park allows visitors from both countries to meet without passing through customs, creating a unique international space of friendship.

The monument bears powerful inscriptions that speak to the special relationship between our countries. On the American side, it reads "Children of a Common Mother," while the Canadian side states "Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity." Within the arch, it reads "May These Gates Never Be Closed," a sentiment that has largely held true for over a century.

Samuel Hill, an American lawyer, businessman, and humanitarian, commissioned the monument. A dedicated advocate for international peace and cooperation, Hill believed this physical symbol would help cement the friendship between the United States and Canada for generations.

The Peace Arch has witnessed countless reunions, celebrations, and gatherings over its century-long history. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the border was closed to non-essential travel, the surrounding park became an especially important meeting place where separated families could gather while respecting border restrictions.

Today, as we face unprecedented challenges in the Canadian-American relationship, the Peace Arch stands as a reminder of our long history of peaceful coexistence and cooperation. Its message—that we are "Children of a Common Mother" yet sovereign nations "Dwelling Together in Unity"—represents the ideal balance of friendship and respect for each other's independence.

The Peace Arch Monument embodies the spirit of partnership between sovereign equals that has characterized the best of Canadian-American relations for over two centuries. It stands not just as a historical marker, but as an aspiration for how our countries can continue to work together while respecting each other's sovereignty and independence.