1818 Rush-Bagot Agreement

The Rush-Bagot Agreement between Great Britain and the United States demilitarized the Great Lakes and defined the border between the US and Canada at the 49th parallel. Negotiated by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, the Rush-Bagot Agreement eliminated some of the most contentious issues between the United States and Great Britain.

The Rush-Bagot Agreement began as a series of letters between acting United States Secretary of State Richard Rush and the British Minister to Washington Sir Charles Bagot. Once the terms of the agreement were reached both sides started following * them. The treaty was officially ratified by the US Senate on April 16, 1818.

Under the terms of the Rush-Bagot Agreement, the fishing quarrels between the United States and Canada were temporarily settled. American fisherman gained access, once again, to the waters around Newfoundland.

The border between the United States and Canada, from the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains, was set at the 49th parallel. The issue of the Oregon Territory was left to be settled at a later date.