Point Roberts, Washington
|
|
WAMap-doton-Point_Roberts.png
Location of Point Roberts, Washington
Point Roberts is a town in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. It is unusual in that, like the Northwest Angle, it is on a peninsula in US territory that is not connected to the US mainland. The population is 1,308 (US 2000 census).
Though Point Roberts would appear to be part of Canada (which it borders), it is part of the US because it is south of the 49th parallel, the official latitude defining the Canada-US border from British Columbia (excluding Vancouver Island) to the Lake of the Woods on the border between Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota.
Point Roberts assumed its present status in 1846, when the Oregon Treaty extended the 49th parallel as the boundary between the United States and British territory from the Rocky Mountains to Georgia Strait. The peninsula is attached to the municipality of Delta in British Columbia, and is about 2 miles from north to south and about 3 miles from east to west. Boundary Bay borders Point Roberts to the east, and the Strait of Georgia borders it to the west.
The only school is for K–3 students; older students must be bused over two border crossings to Blaine, Washington, a 40-minute drive. Because of its unique geographical location, Point Roberts is a de facto gated community.
The only authorized access to Point Roberts by motor vehicle, bicycle, or on foot is 56th Street, a major street that runs through the community of Tsawwassen on the Canadian side of the border; south of the border, the road turns into Tyee Drive. Point Roberts also has a small runway and a large marina for air and water access.
External links
- All Point Bulletin community newspaper (http://www.allpointbulletin.com)
- Point Roberts community website (http://www.pointrobertsusa.com) (Expired on 5/15/05. Pending renewal or deletion.)
- Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce (http://www.pointrobertschamber.com)
- National Geographic article on Point Roberts (http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0408/feature7/index.html)
- History of Point Roberts (http://www.pointroberts.com/history.htm)
- Lighthouse Marine Park (http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/lighthouse/lighthouse.jsp)de:Point Roberts