Derby Line

Derby Line is a village that straddles the international border between the United States and Canada, with streets and buildings sitting directly on the boundary line. The community spreads across both sides of this geographic division, which shapes daily life for residents here.

The village arose from an incorrect border survey conducted above the 45th parallel that was later confirmed by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty. Official incorporation did not occur until 1977, many years after residents had already adapted to living on this unusual border.

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House brings together people from both sides of the border in shared cultural events. This building reflects how communities here have learned to live and gather across a line that divides them daily.

The Village Office is located at 104 Main Street and handles water billing, tax collection, and local administrative services. Visitors should be aware that border control points affect movement between different parts of the community and some locations are only accessible from one side.

Five homes in the community are divided by the international border, with residents needing special arrangements to access their properties and daily routines. This creates unusual challenges like separate entrances or doors that open onto different countries.

Location: Derby

Inception: June 16, 1977

Elevation above the sea: 322 m

GPS coordinates: 45.00499,-72.09944

Latest update: December 13, 2025 23:27