Fort Frances in Rainy River District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Crossing the Border
| | Discover Fort Frances | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2024
1. Crossing the Border Marker
Two Nations Share Common History
Northwestern Ontario and Northeastern Minnesota share the waters of Rainy Lake and Rainy River. The sister communities of Fort Frances and International Falls also share a common history that, for many years, did not recognize International boundary.
The International Bridge
Fort Frances and International Falls have been linked since the communities developed. Before the completion of the International Bridge in 1912, one could cross the river either by foot bridge or by ferry. The ferry boat, the 'Rainy River', made hourly trips from Fort Frances and International Falls at a cost of 25 cents during the day and 50 cents at night. The 'Niobe' was another ferry that offered transportation anywhere on the Rainy River or the Rainy Lake.
When the ferry could no longer sufficiently accommodate the influx of visitors, the need for an international bridge between Fort Frances and International Falls was realized. Construction of the bridge began in 1909 and was finally opened with a day long celebration, on August 1, 1912.
Step Back in Time...
"a link of intimacy and sisterly love between Canada and the United States which shall serve to draw closer in common cause and interest, these two vast and beautiful domains"
Louise Christie, Miss Canada,
this page online
[photo captions]
International Ferry Ticket
Celebration of the Opening of the International Bridge
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 1, 1912.
Location. 48° 36.342′ N, 93° 23.505′ W. Marker is in Fort Frances, Ontario, in Rainy River District. It is on Front Street just east of Victoria Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker is beside an overlook shelter located along the walkway near the west end of the La Verendrye Parkway / Rainy River trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Frances ON P9A 1A3, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Ontario and specifically in Northwest Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: International Border (here, next to this marker); Fishing at the Falls (a few steps from this marker); Dianna Boileau, Dr. Harold Challis and Transgender Rights (within shouting distance of this marker); Recreation and Fun (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Sorting Gap (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); International Falls Passenger Rail (approx. 0.9 kilometers away in the U.S.); The Village of Koochiching & International Falls (approx. 0.9 kilometers away in the U.S.); Alexander Baker (approx. 0.9 kilometers away in the U.S.). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Frances.
Also see . . .
Courtesy Fort Frances Museum (2003.008.001)
2. Marker detail: International Bridge Parade, ca. 1912
Excerpt: The Fort FrancesInternational Falls International Bridge is a privately owned international toll bridge connecting the towns of Fort Frances, Ontario, and International Falls, Minnesota, across the Rainy River. The road and rail bridge was built in 1912 by the local paper company, Resolute Forest Products, and as of 2023 is owned by Aazhogan Limited Partnership. Previous owners include Boise Inc. and Resolute, which operated paper mills on the US and Canadian sides of the river, respectively.(Submitted on December 4, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)The bridge carries both road traffic and rail traffic of the Minnesota, Dakota and Western Railway without grade separation. The rails run along the west side of the bridge, which also carries a pipeline between the paper mills. The east side of the bridge carries two lanes of automobile traffic, one in each direction.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2024
3. Crossing the Border Marker
Looking southwest across the Rainy River; International Falls, Minnesota, USA is visible across the river. This marker is the rightmost of 2 interpretive panels at this location.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 286 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 4, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
