UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » General Awareness » Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

The United States and Canada have a World Heritage Site and Waterton Glacier International Peace Park in the Rocky Mountains of North.

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park is the world’s first “international peace park,” It has a beautiful mountain range, alpine rivers and lakes that get their water from glaciers. There are many geological wonders in the world, such as glacial landscapes, beautiful rock formations, and fossils that are still in good shape. Because there are old cedar-hemlock woodlands, alpine tundra, and large bunchgrass plains in the area, more than 300 species of land animals may live there. Grey wolves and peregrine falcons are two species in these mountains that are in danger of extinction, and grizzly bears and grey wolves also live in this mountain range.

Formation

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the union of Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Parks came together. The first rangers in charge of Waterton and Glacier National Parks, George “Kootenay” Brown and Albert Henry “Death on the Trail” Reynolds, were early supporters of borderless international parks.

When the Cardston Rotary Club, the Alberta Rotary Club, and the Montana Rotary Club met at the Prince of Wales Hotel on July 4 and 5, 1931, Samuel H. Middleton made a resolution asking both clubs to ask the right people to build Peace Park in Calgary, Alberta. Brigadier-General John Smith Stewart of Canada and Congressman Scott Leavitt of the United States were in charge of the talks that led to the agreement.

The 72nd United States Congress made Waterton Glacier International Peace Park on December 8, 1931. In March 1932, the United States Senate agreed to this. After the U.S. government passed a law, protesters at the International Peace Garden between Manitoba and North Dakota slowed down a Canadian proposal, which slowed down the Canadian bill even more. On May 26, 1932, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Act, written by John Stewart, was passed by Parliament and signed by King George V.

On June 18, 1932, people from Alberta and Montana who were part of Rotary International got together at Glacier Park Lodge to connect the two national parks. Sir Charles Arthur Mander, the 2nd Baronet, was the one who gave the speech. During the ceremony in July 1936, Lieutenant Governor William L. Walsh put up a monument to honour the environmentalist Kootenay Brown.

Climate

Waterton-Glacier contains a surprising number of species for its size. Located in three separate watersheds, it is much more lovely than it already is. Waterton-Glacier is a symbol of friendliness and cooperation when two nations meet. “Crown of the Continent” region features one of the most magnificent and rarest natural environments.

Beauty From the Inside Out

These Waterton Lakes National Park locations have been home to indigenous people for a long time. American Indians have occupied and utilised these mountains since at least 10,000 B.C.E., adding to the Blackfeet. This region is home to many Native American groups. The western half of the property is home to the Salish Indian and Kootenai tribes. Since the beginning of time, every tribe near the mountains has thought of them as holy, and they still do.

After a century, people noticed that the area had a unique ecosystem. Most people who lived there knew how important the area was, both ecologically and culturally. Waterton Lakes National Park is Canada’s largest and fourth national park. It was made in 1895 and is the country’s largest park. When the National Park Service named Glacier National Park in 1910, it became the eighth national park in the country and is now the most visited.

It is now called International Peace Park because of this. Here, people remember the peace and friendship between the two countries.

Destinations

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park can now be seen in its natural beauty, artistic splendour, and deep history. Going to the Sun Road of Glacier National Park is a big draw for American tourists and a must-do for those who want to see the rough interior of the park. If you pursue this road to the finish, you’ll get to observe some of the gorgeous landscapes in the area. There are several places to get lodging and food on your route to or while on a hiking or camping excursion. Even if the Going to the Sun Road is one of Glacier National Park’s best famous attractions, it’s not the only one. Goat’s Haunt, Many Glacier, North Fork, and Two Medicine routes are also present. Visitor attractions include:

  • Ancient homesteads.
  • Ever-changing landscapes.
  • Native American heritage.
  • Wilderness and peace.
  • Mountain meadows.
  • Glacier-carved valleys.

Conclusion:

One of the few remaining Swiss-style hotels in the U.S. is the Lewis Glacier Hotel, now called Lake McDonald by locals. It has a European look outside, but it’s more American in design on the interior. This “destination resort” was created in the Swiss alpine style in the early 1800s, and it hasn’t lost any of its lustrs since it opened. Glacier National Park is home to the Sperry, Lake McDonald, Granite Park, Two Medicine Chalets, and others.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

What's so great about Waterton?

Ans. Waterton, in the Canadian Rockies, was Canada’s fourth national park. You may find some of the oldest sed...Read full

What is so important about Waterton Lakes National Park?

Ans. In Waterton, Alberta, the first oil well that could be used to make money in western Canada and the second in a...Read full

Where is Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, specifically?

Ans. The 49th parallel divides Alberta, Canada, and the United States of America. This is where the Waterton ...Read full

When did the Waterton-Glacier Peace Park first open?

Ans. In 1932, Canada’s Waterton Lakes and Glacier national parks were joined to make the 1st International Pea...Read full