San Juan Island National Historical Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

San Juan Island National Historical Park, located in the state of Washington, offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and breathtaking natural beauty of the area.


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Summary

Here are the key points about the park that have been verified across multiple independent sources:

1. Reasons to Visit:
- Historical Significance: The park commemorates the peaceful resolution of the San Juan Boundary Dispute between the United States and Great Britain, known as the Pig War, which occurred in 1859.
- Cultural Exploration: Visitors can explore the traditions and heritage of the Coast Salish people, who have inhabited the islands for thousands of years.
- Scenic Beauty: The park boasts stunning shoreline views, pristine forests, and diverse wildlife, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.

2. Points of Interest:
- English Camp: This historical site was once occupied by British forces during the Pig War and offers a chance to explore the barracks, gardens, and historic buildings.
- American Camp: This area was occupied by American troops during the Pig War and features historic structures, military exhibits, and beautiful trails.
- South Beach: A picturesque sandy beach, offering panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and opportunities for beachcombing and picnicking.
- Cattle Point Lighthouse: Located on the southern tip of San Juan Island, visitors can explore the lighthouse and enjoy stunning coastal vistas.

3. Interesting Facts:
- The Pig War got its name from an incident where a British pig wandered into an American farmer's garden, resulting in a dispute over the international boundary.
- The dispute between the United States and Great Britain was eventually settled through arbitration by the German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm I.
- The park encompasses around 2,100 acres and includes several miles of hiking trails.

4. Best Time to Visit:
- The summer months, from June to August, offer the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures and longer daylight hours.
- Spring and fall can also be lovely times to visit, with fewer crowds and vibrant foliage.
- It's advisable to check the park's official website for updated information on opening hours, visitor services, and any seasonal events or closures.

Remember to consult multiple independent sources to ensure the accuracy and up-to-date information for your visit to San Juan Island National Historical Park.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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