The War of the Pig: The Pig Incident
On June 15, 1859, American farmer Lyman Cutlar discovered a pig rummaging through his precious potato patch. Frustrated and weary of the damage, Cutlar grabbed his rifle and shot the pig, not realizing this single act would spark a remarkable chain of events. The pig belonged to his British neighbor, leading to a heated argument. The Brits threatened to arrest Cutlar, prompting American settlers to demand military protection from Washington. On the other side, British settlers called upon the Hudson Bay Company to request more troops from the Crown. Thus began the War of the Pig.
The War of the Pig: The Dispute
What triggered this unusual conflict? The crux of the matter lay in the disputed jurisdiction over San Juan Island. Both British settlers, under the protection of the Crown and the Hudson Bay Company, and American settlers claimed the island as their own. Years earlier, the border between Canada and the United States was established along the 49th parallel, but the ownership of the nearby islands remained unclear. British settlers were already present on San Juan Island, and the island was officially given to Canada. However, because there were two significant straits, the precise border was still up for debate.
Over the years, despite residing in relative peace, American and British settlers remained distrustful of one another. The shot fired by Cutlar merely ignited a long-simmering dispute.
The War of the Pig: Troop Movements
Both nations responded to their settlers’ pleas by dispatching troops to San Juan Island. The British from nearby Vancouver Island set up camp on the north side, while the Americans established theirs on the south. Neither side wanted a war; Britain was stretched thin, and the U.S. faced the looming threat of Southern secession. Both nations agreed to arbitration and continued their occupation of the island, albeit with a caveat. The British requested the replacement of General Pickett, known for his hot-headedness, as the American commander, which the U.S. agreed to. Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany was chosen as the arbitrator.
Visiting the National Historic Site
Today, the San Juan Islands National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service, stands as a testament to this unique chapter of history. The park features two main sites: the American Camp on the south side and the British Camp on the north side. Both camps offer distinct experiences and are worth exploring.
The visitor center at the American Camp is modern and informative, whereas the one at the British Camp, although less frequently staffed, offers an engaging history lesson presented by a guide in period costume.
San Juan Island NHP: British Camp
If you can only visit one site, the British Camp is highly recommended. It’s more extensive and features well-constructed buildings that provided a comfortable life for the British inhabitants. Several houses and remnants of English gardens are open for exploration, alongside various hiking trails offering scenic views of the camp and bay.
San Juan Island NHP: American Camp
In contrast, the American Camp faced harsher conditions. Positioned on the unprotected south side, it bore the brunt of the island’s weather. The camp was built hastily, reflecting the Americans’ expectation of a temporary stay. Despite these conditions, it’s still worth exploring, with several short trails and an opportunity to delve into history.
The War of the Pig: Life at the Camps
As arbitration dragged on, daily life at the camps continued. The British commander’s wife, for example, spent her days socializing and gardening. Over time, interactions between British and American settlers grew friendlier. They celebrated holidays together, and some even formed cross-national friendships and unions, fostering a peaceful coexistence.
The War of the Pig: Arbitration
The arbitration process was long and meticulous, overseen by Kaiser Wilhelm I. The primary issue was the two straits, Rosario and Haro, which would impact the respective nations significantly. After 12 years of deliberation, the decision was made that the border would be set at Haro Strait. Both sides agreed, and the British withdrew from San Juan Island, establishing a lasting border.
San Juan Island NHP: Visitor Information
The San Juan National Historical Park is open year-round, with varying hours for its visitor centers. There’s no entrance fee, and both the American and British camps are for day-use only, though nearby camping and accommodations can be found.
Getting There
To visit the site, you have to take a ferry from mainland Washington State to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The ferry ride, which can last from an hour to 90 minutes, is serviced by Washington State Ferries. It’s advisable to bring a car due to limited public transportation on the island.
A day trip from the coast is possible, but planning is essential. Staying overnight in Anacortes ensures you can catch an early ferry and have ample time to explore both camps and Friday Harbor before heading back.
This fascinating story and beautiful historical site offer a unique glimpse into a lesser-known conflict between two great nations. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a scenic day out, the San Juan Islands National Historical Park is worth the trip.