English Camp

English Camp (1860-1872) - A British post first established in 1860 by British Royal Marines at Garrison Bay on San Juan Island, San Juan County, Washington. Abandoned in 1872.

Engish Camp circa 1860, Garden in Foreground

English Camp History

The British Royal Marines arrived in 1860 in response to an incident on San Juan Island that came to be known as the Pig War. The Pig War involved a territorial dispute with between Britain and the United States that was sparked by a British pig killed by an American farmer. No conflict erupted but the result was American Camp on the south end of the San Juan Island and English Camp on the North end of the Island since they both claimed the island. The stalemate lasted until Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany negotiated an agreement in 1872 that gave San Juan Island to the United States. The British Royal Marines left English Camp that same year.

Current Status

Part of San Juan Island National Historical Park administered by the National Park Service, San Juan Island, San Juan County, Washington. Several buildings including the blockhouse remain. The Royal Marine Cemetery also remains. The British flag is still flown over the post.

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Location: San Juan Island National Historical Park, San Juan Island, San Juan County, Washington. Maps & Images Lat: 48.586221 Long: -123.1503975 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 9'

Sources:

• Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 832
• Hart, Herbert M., Tour Guide to Old Western Forts, Pruett Publishing Co., Boulder CO, 1980, ISBN 0-87108-568-2, page 184

Links:

• North American Forts - Engish Camp
• National Park Service - English Camp

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English Camp Picture Gallery

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