RESEARCH-HOWTO-L Archives

From: "R. Houston" <>
Subject: How Travel between Canada & US has Historical Viewed
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 21:05:24 -0500

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport/histoir.htm

There was a question pertaining to how the Canadian gov't treated early
non-Canadians traveling through their country, so as to reach the United
States.
Also, if there was a question as to what type of immigration papers were on
record so as to aquire a copy.

This url is wonderful --
Non-Canadians prior to 1862, could travel freely within the country to where
ever they desired to go which usually the destination was the US.

After 1862, a centralized system for issuing passports (called "a letter of
request") was introduced. This was actually issued by the local Canadian
mayor which was used mainly for voting in Canadian municipal elections.

Then, it won't be for another fifty years thereafter that this piece of
paper known as a "letter of request" would be required to be signed by the
Governor General for any travel throughout Canada. The history of passports
throughout Canada's development as a nation is very difficult to trace
because very few were ever issued. The cost of one ranged around a $1 in
1878, and to a varied range in 1900, between $35 to $50.

It wasn't til 1915, that Canada switched to the British form of passport.
So whose to know if any of these "letters of request" are on record to
review. Hope this clears the air and enlightens. ()

This thread:

• How Travel between Canada & US has Historical Viewed by "R. Houston" <>