Negotiating a 9,000 Km Demarcation Line: Canada-Us Boundary Marks 110 Years

After more than a century of negotiation and compromise, a final treaty is signed in 1908

Surveyors mapping the boundary at the Yukon-Alaska border circa 1907. The line was supposed to be as straight as possible, despite running through uncharted wilderness in many regions. JD Craig/International Boundary Commission

April 11 will be just another day for most Canadians, but in fact it marks the 110th anniversary of an agreement that has contributed much to the peace, security, and prosperity of both Canada and the United States.

On that day in 1908, a treaty with the simple name of Treaty of 1908 was signed by two parties: the United Kingdom (on behalf of Canada) and the United States.