San Juan Island National Historical Park

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Intro

San Juan Island NHP commemorates the peaceful resolution of the 19th century boundary dispute between Great Britain and the United States over the Oregon Country. The crisis on San Juan Island -- which both nations claimed -- ignited when on June 15, 1859, an American farmer shot a British-owned pig. Soon the U.S. Army and Royal Navy were at gunpoint. However, officials on both sides quickly restored calm and the nations agreed to a military joint occupation of the island until the boundary dispute could be resolved. The American soldiers and British Royal Marines remained for 12 years until Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany, as arbitrator, awarded the islands to the United States.
San Juan Island National Historical Park is an excellent place to hike, picnic and view wildlife. From soaring eagles and hawks, to river otters, red fox, black-tailed deer, and European rabbits, the park supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Just offshore at American Camp you may see whales, porpoises, seals, and sea lions as well.
Situated on the Pacific Flyway, the San Juan Islands and the surrounding saltwater provide
a stopover for many birds, both marine and terrestrial. More than 200 species may be found here all or part of each year.

Designations

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