While in the 20th Century it may no longer be typical for people to resort to weapons as a means of resolving their disputes, most will agree that litigation is, to a lesser degree, aggression played out in the dignifi ed theater of the courts with words as the weapon of choice. Ideally, as a means of dispute resolution, ADR represents a choice of peace over aggression. Regrettably, though, as the process of arbitration is re-cast by some lawyers and parties who may have lost sight of arbitration’s historic character and benefi ts, arbitration appears to be morphing in some cases into a private forum for litigation practices. With that in mind, it is hoped that a historical look at the origins of arbitration in North America will aid in reminding stakeholders in the arbitration process of arbitration’s intended benefits: simpler, faster, cheaper.