San Juan Island National Historical Park

PO Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Phone
Visitor Information
(360) 378-2902
Park Administration
(360) 378-2240

WELCOME to San Juan Island National Historical Park

San Juan Island is well known for splendid vistas, saltwater shore, quiet woodlands and orca whales. But it was also here in 1859 that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a dead pig.

Come and celebrate where Great Britain and United States demonstrated that it is possible for individuals and nations to settle their differences peacefully without resorting to violence.

It was a near run thing in July 1859, when Capt. George E. Pickett landed on San Juan Island with his 60 soldiers intent on protecting the rights of American citizens from British authorities. Fortunately the only being injured in this "Pig War" was the pig.

While the boundary dispute is perhaps the best-known period in island history--and is colorfully interpreted throughout the year--the park today preserves and protects a rich environment of prairie, forest, shoreline and sea that cannot be separated from the area’s 3,000-year human history.

As the largest tract of public land on San Juan Island, the park has more than six miles of public shoreline and is also a primary destination of hikers with a network of trails exploring woodlands, prairie and uplands. As a stop along the Pacific flyway, the park also provides temporary homes for more than 200 species of migratory birds.

Getting to the island to enjoy all these features requires some effort, however, especially during the summer months. These pages provide a starting point for planning your trip. If you have any questions along the way, please contact us via the "Contact" link provided in the left margin of this page.

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