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San Juan Island National Historical Park
Imagine going to war with Canada (well, Britain, but they ran that part of Canada at the time). That's what almost, kinda-sorta happened at San Juan Island in 1859. This island in Puget Sound was the flashpoint of escalating tensions between the United States and Great Britain.
An American farmer on the island shot and killed a pig. The only problem was that the British claimed the island as its own. The 1846 Treaty of Oregon left the boundary between America and Canada unclear, so San Juan Island was a disputed land for several years.
Three British warships and 500 U.S. Army troops were ready for war, but cooler heads prevailed. The respective commanders on both sides kept the situation calm. The Americans and British agreed to jointly patrol the island and conduct military exercises until their governments decided on
Imagine going to war with Canada (well, Britain, but they ran that part of Canada at the time). That's what almost, kinda-sorta happened at San Juan Island in 1859. This island in Puget Sound was the flashpoint of escalating tensions between the United States and Great Britain.
An American farmer on the island shot and killed a pig. The only problem was that the British claimed the island as its own. The 1846 Treaty of Oregon left the boundary between America and Canada unclear, so San Juan Island was a disputed land for several years.
Three British warships and 500 U.S. Army troops were ready for war, but cooler heads prevailed. The respective commanders on both sides kept the situation calm. The Americans and British agreed to jointly patrol the island and conduct military exercises until their governments decided on a border. Ultimately, San Juan Island came to America.
Take a ferry to San Juan Island to be a part of history and to see the wondrous natural landscape. Huge pine trees shelter hiking trails as you explore the island. Along the beach, bring your binoculars to look for orcas splashing in the water.
Park rangers and people in period costume help bring San Juan Island's history to life. English Camp sits on one pristine beach. Overhead flies the Union Jack to mark the point where the British Royal Marines maintained a presence on the island.
Nearby campsites let you explore this beautiful area at your leisure. Small towns are nearby in case you need supplies for your getaway.
When to Go
The best time to visit San Juan Island National Historical Park is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when Pacific Northwest weather is at its finest and the chance of rain is lower. This is also the best time for sea kayak adventures. The English Camp Visitor Center and American Visitor Center are only open during this period (both are closed Sunday-Tuesday; the English
Read more...When to Go
The best time to visit San Juan Island National Historical Park is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when Pacific Northwest weather is at its finest and the chance of rain is lower. This is also the best time for sea kayak adventures. The English Camp Visitor Center and American Visitor Center are only open during this period (both are closed Sunday-Tuesday; the English Camp is also closed on Wednesdays). Peak whale-watching season is from May through September, though the aquatic mammals are present in the waters here throughout the year.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —