Peace Arch
The Peace Arch is a gateway-type monument situated on the border between the United States and Canada, between the communities of Blaine, Washington and White Rock, British Columbia. The Peace Arch, standing 20.5 metres tall, was built by Sam Hill and dedicated in September of 1921, and commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. The monument is built on the exact boundary between Interstate 5 and B.C. Highway 99, in the grass median between the northbound and southbound lanes. The Peace Arch has the flags of the U.S. and Canada mounted on its crown, and two inscriptions on both sides of its frieze. The inscription on the U.S. side of the Peace Arch reads "Children of a common mother", and the words on the Canadian side read "Brethren dwelling together in unity". The Peace Arch is surrounded by Peace Arch Park, which also spans both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. Within the park is a major border crossing which has never closed, symbolising a long history of peace between the two nations.