San Juan Island National Historical Park [WA]
San Juan Island National Historical Park preserves and protects nearly 1,800 acres on San Juan Island, including prairies, lagoons, forests, and mountains, and more than six miles of saltwater shoreline. Under the park's protective watch are seven historic structures dating to the 1860s and a rich archaeological resource of prehistorical and historical objects, as well as habitats rich with plants and animals. In addition, from 1859 through 1872, Great Britain and the United States jointly occupied San Juan Island while the water boundary between the two nations was settled. During this time, the "pig war," a dispute which nearly escalated to war, occurred. In 1872, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany, given the right to choose ownership of the island, determined that it would become a U.S. possession, officially creating the boundary between the U.S. and Canada. San Juan Island National Historical Park tells the story of the island through the British and American camp sites, during the joint occupation and the years prior, inclusive of island prehistory.
The park offers exhibits, pig war traveling trunks and curriculum, self-guided walks, ranger-led talks and tours, reenactments, and demonstrations.