Discussions

The first construction began in 1932 with a Cairn being placed on the International line, (The Border). Around the inscription on the Cairn were placed many stone hammerheads. These Indian, (Aboriginal) hammerheads were found in the district, and were smooth oval stones of various sizes, shaped like an egg with a groove around the middle where a fastener to attach it to the shaft had been placed.  
 
On July 14th 1932 a crowd of over fifty thousand attended a dedication ceremony at which Canada and the United States pledged themselves “that as long as men shall live we will not take up arms against one and other.”  
 
The concept of the Peace Garden was first developed at a gathering of gardeners held in the United States, from an idea suggested by Mr. Henry Moore of Islington, Ontario. One year later both countries approved the idea, and a committee was appointed to select a location.  
 
The site chosen was between Dunseith, North Dakota, and Boissevain, Manitoba on the boundary at almost the exact centre between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and approximately forty miles north of the geographical centre of North America at Rugby North Dakota. It is on Highway #10 in Canada, and Highways #3 and # 281 in North Dakota.  
 
The International Peace garden is a beauty spot for visitors to enjoy, but it is also a symbol of over one hundred and fifty years of “Peace” between two nations with a common boundary of about 3,987 miles, which is the longest unfortified boundary in the world.  
 
The Garden covers about 3,000 acres, and was started during the depression years of the 1930’s. Much of the work was done as a Relief program for the unemployed. During WW II work was suspended, but it was resumed later and continues today.  
 
The entrance of the Peace Garden has an entrance gate that was sponsored by the Odd fellows, and Rebecca’s. Other features include twin 120-foot (37m) concrete towers straddling the border with a peach Chapel at their base. The Chapel walls are inscribed with notable quotes about peace. There is an 18-foot electric Bulova floral clock, a sunken garden. The Lady Arma Sifton Carillon Bells are located in a Tower, a gift from the city of Brandon, O.E.S., an all Faith Peace Chapel, and an Amphitheatre.  
 
A Lodge, which was the first building in the Garden, is used for meetings, banquets and social gatherings. A Masonic Auditorium with seating capacity of two thousand people. Also there is the Errick Willis Memorial Pavilion, picnic areas, camping, and trailer facilities for visitors. The International Music Camp is held there every summer with about 130 instructors and 2,500 students.  
 
The North Dakota, and Manitoba Highways Departments have been responsible for the surfacing of the two main roads, and continue to be responsible for the maintenance of them. North, and South Power Companies have installed underground power lines through out the facilities.  
 
The International Peace Gardens have enjoyed many enhancements to date. This summer, (2010) visitors can view the newly designed $2,500,000,00 Sunken Garden that forms a repeating mosaic pattern of flowering trees and shrubs, perennials, annuals, and walkways encompassing the newly surfaced focal octagonal pond. An interlaced fence keeps the Deer, and Moose away from the thousands of newly planted perennials, more than 800 Rose bushes, and young shrubs.  
 
A short walk from the Sunken Garden, the visitor will approach the $4,000,000,00 year round venue of Dining, Conservatory, Interpretative Centre, Gift Shop, and moderate Horticulture Library.  
 
While dining the visitor can view a picturesque view of the majestic 37 meter Peace Tower, which symbolizes people coming from the four corners of the world to form two similar, but different Nations.  
 
The Conservatory’s tropical foliage, greens, and flowering plants will create a tropical oasis in all seasons. The Conservatory is the first of its kind in North Dakota, and the second in Manitoba.  
 
Source: http://www.peacegarden.com/