Map of the lands in dispute

Background

The Treaty of 1818 set the boundary between the United States and British North America along the 49th parallel of north latitude from Minnesota to the "Stony Mountains"^[1] (now known as the Rocky Mountains). West of those mountains was the Oregon Country, and the treaty provided for joint control of that land for ten years. Both countries could claim land and both were guaranteed free navigation throughout.

Joint control steadily grew intolerable for both sides. After a British minister rejected U.S. President James K. Polk's offer to settle the boundary at the 49th parallel north, Democratic expansionists called for the annexation of the entire region up to 54°40', the northern border of the Oregon Country. However, after the outbreak of the Mexican-American War diverted U.S. attention and resources, a compromise was reached.

Negotiations

The treaty was negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State James Buchanan, who later became president, and Richard Pakenham, envoy to the United States and member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom for Queen Victoria. The treaty was signed on June 15, 1846.

The Oregon Treaty set the U.S. and British North American border at the 49th parallel with the exception of Vancouver Island, which was retained by the British. The 49th parallel became the U.S.-Canadian border between Washington and British Columbia when Canada was formed. The U.S. portion of the region was organized as Oregon Territory on August 14, 1848.

Treaty definitions

The treaty defined the border in the Strait of Juan de Fuca through the major channel.

• Due to difference in the location of the major shipping channel, both the British and the Americans had settled on the same islands.
• Navigation of "channel[s] and straits, south of the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude, remain free and open to both parties."
• The "Puget's Sound Agricultural Company" retains the right to their property north of the Columbia River, and shall be compensated for properties surrendered if required by the United States.^[2] (The Puget's Sound Agricultural Company was a subsidiary of the Hudson's Bay Company)
• The property rights of the Hudson's Bay Company and all British subjects south of the new boundary will be respected.

Aftermath

In 1859, an unclear description of the maritime border in the treaty later led to the bloodless war known as the Pig War over the ownership of the San Juan Islands.

See also

• James K. Polk
• Oregon Mission

References

1. ↑
2. ↑