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San Juan Island National Historical ParkBelle Vue Farm in September 1859
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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.
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camas plant

The Lone Prairie - Restoration In Progress

In a region well known for its abundant rainfall, lush forests and moderate maritime climate, American Camp’s prairie is an unexpected delight. Prairies were once common in Puget Sound and the Northern Straits regions. San Juan’s prairies were dramatically altered beginning the mid-19th century with the arrival of Europeans, who brought grazing animals, domestic agriculture and ornamental plants. Today American Camp prairie is dominated by non-native (or exotic) species including thistles, Himalayan blackberry, tansy ragwort and the European rabbit. Learn how the park plans to restore this priceless resource to a healthy state.
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Winfield Scott mediated the Pig War crisis in 1859.

Histories

Claims, Conflict and Compromise: The park is a tangible reminder that the San Juan Islands and Pacific Northwest were once contested by Imperial Spain as well as the United States and Great Britain. But at each critical point along the way, the competing nations chose peace over war.
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Sesquicentennial logos

Special Programs

San Juan Island National Historical Park offers a full range of special programs, most of which are scheduled during the summer season. The highlight each year is the annual Encampment at English Camp  featuring living historians from throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. The 2009 edition, commemorating the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the Pig War crisis, is scheduled July 25-26. Stay posted to this web site for updates on programs and special events related to the sesquicentennial.
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Final General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement

General Management Plan

A proposed new year-round visitor center at American Camp and the expansion of the English Camp boundary are among the highlights included in San Juan Island National Historical Park’s General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement released this week. Copies of the GMP/EIS are available at park headquarters, 650 Mullis St., Suite 100, Friday Harbor; and at the American camp Visitor Center, 4668 Cattle Point Road. Electronic copies may be accessed via the park planning website, http://parkplanning.nps.gov/sajh. In the development stage for more than six years, the document also identifies trails, programs and natural and cultural resource projects that will unite the park’s historical and natural themes, according to park superintendent Peter Dederich.
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Write to

PO Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(360) 378-2902

Park Administration
(360) 378-2240

Fax

(360) 378-2996

Climate

Cool summers and mild winters with summer highs occasionally peaking in the high 80's and winter lows briefly the in low 20's. Annual rainfall ranges from 18 to 36 inches, with higher counts in the islands' northern extremities. From September through early February, the Georgia Strait is affected by land fogs that form on cool nights with clear skies. During long cold periods, these may persist for several days.
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Mt. Finlayson on San Juan Island.  

Did You Know?
Mt. Finlayson is named for Roderick Finlayson, a Hudson's Bay Company employee who is credited with founding Victoria, BC. He is one of several Company men who have island roads and features named for them.

Last Updated: January 15, 2009 at 16:45 EST