We all know that this little piggy went to the market—but that little piggy? He almost started a war with the British!
It’s a quirky chapter in San Juan Island history that feels too strange to be true, but here we are, diving into the fascinating tale of a territorial dispute that shaped our island’s identity. Two countries, one pig, and a whole lot of tension combine for this un-boar-lievable story.
Setting the Scene
If you’re wondering how one pig could cause so much chaos, you’re not alone. But the Pig War wasn’t just about a pig—it was the boiling point of years of land disputes and rising tensions between two world powers: the United States and Great Britain, both vying for control of the San Juan Islands.
At the time, the Americans and British disagreed about where exactly the boundary between British Columbia and the U.S. Pacific Northwest should be drawn: the Haro Strait, closest to Vancouver Island, or the Rosario Strait, nearer to the mainland. It was a gray area, to say the least.
But here’s an important footnote that often gets overlooked: While the Americans and British were squabbling over ownership, the Coast Salish indigenous peoples had been living in the Pacific Northwest for centuries. While this “war” is complicated, it’s necessary to acknowledge the native populations who called the San Juan Islands home—long before Europeans sailed in.
Belle Vue Sheep Farm
Where Does the Pig Come In?
For centuries, Hudson’s Bay Company was integral to Britain’s global trading empire. With trading posts scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest—including on San Juan Island—the company was a powerhouse in several industries. To further assert their presence on SJI, Hudson’s Bay Company founded Belle Vue Sheep Farm in 1853, a massive operation with more than 4,000 sheep.
Six years later (and amid growing tensions), one of the company’s pigs was found rooting through the potato patch of American farmer Lyman Cutlar. In the heat of the moment, Cutlar shot the pig, accelerating one of the most bizarre territorial disputes in history. What followed was a whirlwind of events that saw British and American troops arriving on the island, teetering on the brink of war.
While the pig tends to (naturally) hog the spotlight in this story, it’s important to remember that the real issue was about territory, sovereignty, and national pride.
The War That Wasn’t
Despite the military presence, no shots were ever fired (except for the one aimed at the pig, of course). For 12 years, both sides decided to play the waiting game and avoid a full-blown conflict. Eventually, the U.S. and British governments realized that the situation could get out of hand and started looking for a diplomatic solution.
Enter: Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany.
For nearly a year, a three-person arbitration commission appointed by the Kaiser met to settle the territorial dispute, and in 1872, they ruled in favor of the United States. By this time, however, the military presence had already faded, and life on San Juan Island had returned to normal. The pig—who remains the conflict’s lone casualty—may have been forgotten, but the lore of the Pig War? That’s lived on for generations.
The Pig War’s Enduring Legacy
Today, San Juan Island is a dream destination for visitors of all ages, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While it’s sow amazing to explore the island’s stunning landscapes, shop in Friday Harbor, and nosh on fresh seafood, no visit to San Juan Island is complete without also touring the sites central to the Pig War.
The San Juan Island National Historical Park is home to several historical sites that tell the story of this fascinating conflict, including the English Camp and the American Camp. You can walk in the footsteps of the soldiers, explore historic buildings, and dig deeper into the island’s rich history. Trust us: It’s well worth a spot on your island itinerary!