Rush-Bagot Agreement Memorial Plaque

The RUSH-BAGOT AGREEMENT

A naval arms limitation agreement negotiated to demilitarize
the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain after the War of 1812,
this convention was concluded between the United States and
Great Britain, represented respectively by Richard Ruch and
Charles Bagot in 1817. Under its terms each country agreed
to dismantle all armed vessels on the lakes with the excep-
tion of four retained for policing purposes and to construct
no new warships. During the 19th century there were occa-
sional infractions of the terms and during the Second World
War they were somewhat modified, but the spirit of the con-
vention has, in general, never been violated. Still technically
in force, the Rush -Bagot Agreement has become a symbol of
the long-standing peaceful relations between Canada and the United States.

Erected by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Citizenship and Culture