San Juan Island National Historical Park
🏆 Official Guide: San Juan Island National Historical Park — A Washington park preserving the sites of the 1859 “Pig War” — the bloodless border standoff between the U.S. and Britain — featuring American Camp with coastal prairies and South Beach, English Camp with restored buildings, hiking to Mount Finlayson and Young Hill, and world-class orca whale watching.
San Juan Island National Historical Park preserves the two military encampments from one of history’s most unusual conflicts — the “Pig War” of 1859, when a dispute over a shot pig nearly triggered war between the United States and Great Britain. For 12 years, both nations maintained peaceful joint military occupation of San Juan Island until international arbitration resolved the boundary in 1872. Today, the park offers exceptional hiking, beaches, wildlife viewing, and history.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | San Juan Island, WA — ferry from Anacortes |
| Two Sites | American Camp (south) + English Camp (north) |
| Admission | Free — National Park Service |
| Visitor Center | At American Camp — exhibits on Pig War history |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
American Camp (South End)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| South Beach | Longest public beach in the San Juan Islands |
| Mount Finlayson | Hike to summit — Strait of Juan de Fuca + Olympic Mtn views |
| Granny’s Cove | Sheltered sandy beach — tidepooling |
| Fourth of July Beach | Calm, scenic beach |
| Prairie | Open grasslands — historic military grounds |
English Camp (North End)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Young Hill | Hike to summit — panoramic views of Gulf Islands + Vancouver Island |
| Restored Buildings | Barracks, blockhouse, commissary, formal garden |
| Garrison Bay | Protected cove — kayak-friendly |
| Cemetery | Small British military cemetery |
Whale Watching
San Juan Island is one of the best places in the world for land-based orca whale watching. While Lime Kiln Point State Park is the premier spot, American Camp’s South Beach also offers excellent opportunities May through September. Bring binoculars and patience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Pig War?
In 1859, an American settler shot a pig belonging to the British Hudson’s Bay Company that was eating his potatoes. The incident escalated into a military standoff — both nations sent troops and warships. Remarkably, the only casualty was the pig. For 12 years, American and British soldiers peacefully co-occupied San Juan Island until Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany arbitrated the boundary dispute in favor of the United States in 1872.
Can I see orcas from shore?
Yes — San Juan Island is one of the best places in the world for land-based orca watching. Lime Kiln Point State Park (adjacent) is the top spot, but American Camp’s South Beach also offers sightings. The best season is May through September. Always maintain at least 100 yards distance from any marine mammals.
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