San Juan Island National Historic Park

San Juan Island National Historic Park


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

San Juan Island National Historic Park is known for the views of Orca whales and bald eagles that inhabit this area; as do more than 200 species of birds navigating the Pacific flyway. But the park was created in 1966 based upon an idea: that individuals and nations can solve their problems peacefully without resorting to violence. For it was here in 1859 that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a pig shot by an American farmer. Actually, it was a bit more complicated than that. Pressures had been building between the two nations over possession of the San Juan Island group since 1846 when the Treaty of Oregon left ownership unclear. Thus came the "Pig War" crisis, at the height of which more than 500 U.S. Army soldiers and three British warships were nose to nose on the island's southern shore, not 10 miles from Victoria, BC. Fortunately, officials on both sides quickly restored calm and the nations agreed to a joint military occupation of the island until the boundary could be decided. The American soldiers and British Royal Marines remained for 12 years until Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany, as arbitrator, awarded the islands to the United States. Today the park is an excellent place to hike, picnic, play on the beach, experience wildlife and enjoy a wealth of programming, including the summer living history events.

Facilities: San Juan Island National Historic Park provides restrooms and picnic areas.

Reservations: Reservations are not accepted for San Juan Island National Historic Park.

Best Time To Visit: San Juan Island National Historic Park is open September 4-June 3 Wednesday-Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. September 4-June 3 Monday-Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m. June 4-September 3 Daily: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fees: No fees are charged.

Accessibility: Handicap accessibility is provided.

Rules: Unknown

Directions: To reach San Juan Island National Historic Park from Friday Harbor start out going northeast on Sunshine Aly toward First St S. for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto First St S. for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Spring St. for 0.1 miles. Turn right onto 2nd St S. for 0.2 miles. 2nd St S becomes Guard St. for 0.7 miles. Guard St becomes Beaverton Valley Rd. for 2.0 miles. Turn left onto Erickson Dr. (Portions unpaved) for 0.3 miles. Warning: There are .21 miles between your ending location and the end of your driving directions. Use maps to get from your ending location to the end of your route. End at San Juan Island.

Address

San Juan Island National Historic Park

P.O. Box 429

Friday Harbor, Washington 98250

Phone
General: (360) 378-2240
Fax: (360) 378-2615

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