The Washington Boundary Line Agreement, also known as the Washington Boundary Agreement (Short Form), refers to an agreement between the United States and the British Empire in 1846. This agreement established the western boundary between the British colony of Vancouver Island and the Oregon Territory, which was jointly occupied by both nations. The Washington Boundary Line Agreement aimed to resolve long-standing disputes and potential conflicts over territorial claims in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The agreement was negotiated and signed by the representatives of the United States, led by Secretary of State James Buchanan, and the British Empire, represented by Sir Richard Dagenham, the British envoy to the United States. The primary objective of the Washington Boundary Line Agreement (Short Form) was to establish a clear boundary between the British and American territories. It defined the border as starting from the Pacific Ocean, following the 49th parallel of latitude until it reached the point where the Columbia River emptied into the Pacific. From that point, the border would continue along the deepest channel of the river, until it reached the Rocky Mountains. The agreement successfully resolved the boundary dispute and prevented potential conflicts between the United States and the British Empire. It also solidified the development of the Pacific Northwest region by providing legal clarity to the territories under British or American jurisdictions. Although there is no specific distinction made in terms of types of Washington Boundary Line Agreement (Short Form), the agreement of 1846 is commonly referred to as the primary and most significant one. This agreement remains in effect to this day and plays a crucial role in defining the boundary between the United States and Canada in the Pacific Northwest region. In conclusion, the Washington Boundary Line Agreement (Short Form) refers to the 1846 agreement between the United States and the British Empire, which established the western boundary between Vancouver Island and the Oregon Territory. Its primary purpose was to resolve boundary disputes and provide clarity to the territories. The agreement effectively established the border as the 49th parallel of latitude, preventing potential conflicts and facilitating the development of the Pacific Northwest region.