Why Did the U.S. Give Up the Portion of Vancouver Island Below the 49th Parallel but Insist on Keeping Point Roberts?

The situation regarding the U.S. giving up the southern portion of Vancouver Island below the 49th parallel while retaining Point Roberts is a fascinating tale rooted in historical negotiations and geographical considerations from the 19th century. This unique territory has intrigued many for its strange delineation and strategic importance.

The Oregon Treaty of 1846

The Oregon Treaty established the 49th parallel as the boundary between British North America (now Canada) and the U.S. west of the Rocky Mountains. This treaty was a crucial diplomatic move to resolve territorial disputes between the U.S. and Britain. The U.S. accepted British claims to Vancouver Island south of the 49th parallel in exchange for control of the mainland up to the 49th parallel, a compromise that laid the groundwork for the current border between the two nations.

Geographical Anomaly of Point Roberts

Point Roberts stands as a unique geographical feature that is part of the U.S. but is located south of the 49th parallel. This anomaly resulted from the boundary being drawn following the 49th parallel, a process that did not take into account the local geography. Point Roberts residents are physically separated from the rest of the U.S. by water, making it a distinctive and puzzling situation. It is a territory that feels disconnected from the mainland United States.

Strategic and Economic Interests

The U.S. may have had strategic interests in retaining Point Roberts, particularly for trade and access to the waters of the Salish Sea. Its possession allows for direct access for U.S. citizens and businesses despite being surrounded by Canadian territory. Moreover, the strategic location of Point Roberts provides a valuable vantage point for monitoring and accessing maritime activities in the region.

However, the reality behind U.S. insistence on keeping Point Roberts was not as intentional or strategic as commonly believed. This situation arose from geographical and human dynamics that were not fully understood by the negotiators during the treaty discussions.

Historical Context and Borders

During the negotiations for the Oregon Treaty in 1846, the preponderance of people from Britain were residing on Vancouver Island, while there were virtually no Americans living there. The trading post at Fort Albert later Fort Victoria and later Victoria became a crucial hub for trade. By the time the negotiations were concluding, it was clear that the boundary would follow the 49th parallel westward to the Pacific, with the understanding that the mainland region up to the 49th parallel would be U.S. territory.

The focus of the negotiations was on the broader Oregon territory, with both sides contending for control of the entire area north of Spain’s California and south of 54°40’ latitude. The shifting demographics and economic activities in the region were not the primary concerns during the treaty discussions.

Discovery and Calling the Land

It was only after the treaty had been signed and the boundaries were being delineated that the negotiators became aware of the small peninsula of Point Roberts. At that point, there was no interest in relinquishing the land. The U.S. government, realizing the strategic and practical value of this isolated territory, decided to retain it.

This unique historical outcome demonstrates how territorial boundaries and geopolitical agreements can be unwittingly shaped by local geography and subsequent discoveries rather than intentional geopolitical strategies. The fact that Point Roberts stands alone, disconnected from the mainland United States, is a testament to the complexities and quirks of international border negotiations.

In conclusion, while the decision to give up the southern portion of Vancouver Island was part of a broader diplomatic resolution to territorial disputes, the retention of Point Roberts was influenced by its unique geographical positioning and the practical implications of maintaining access to surrounding waters.