In the annals of history, few conflicts have been as peculiar as the Pig War of 1859. This strange episode unfolded on the picturesque San Juan Islands, nestled between Vancouver Island and Washington Territory.
What began as a simple dispute over a wayward pig escalated into a tense standoff between two global powers.
The Pig War was a confrontation between the United States and the United Kingdom over the ownership of the San Juan Islands. At its core, this conflict exemplified the delicate nature of international relations and the unforeseen consequences of seemingly minor incidents.
The shooting of a single pig by an American farmer ignited a powder keg of territorial tensions that had been simmering for years.
As troops from both nations arrived on the island, the world watched with bated breath. Would this porcine incident spark a full-scale war between two of the world’s most powerful nations?
The answer, as it turned out, was far more surprising than anyone could have anticipated. The Pig War was ultimately resolved through arbitration, demonstrating the power of diplomacy in averting armed conflict.
Origins of the Conflict
The Pig War of 1859 stemmed from a long-standing territorial dispute between the United States and Great Britain.
Unclear border definitions and conflicting claims set the stage for a bizarre confrontation on San Juan Island.
Treaty of Oregon
The Treaty of Oregon, signed in 1846, attempted to resolve border issues between British North America and the United States. It established the 49th parallel as the boundary but failed to clearly define ownership of the San Juan Islands.
This ambiguity left room for interpretation. The treaty’s wording suggested the border should run through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. But which channel? The Haro Strait or Rosario Strait?
Both nations saw strategic value in controlling these waters. Although the islands themselves held little economic importance, their location could potentially dominate maritime traffic in the region.
The Disputed Territory
San Juan Island became the focal point of this territorial disagreement. Situated between Vancouver Island and the mainland, it occupied a critical position.
The British, through the Hudson’s Bay Company, established a sheep ranch on the island in the early 1850s. Meanwhile, American settlers began arriving in increasing numbers.
By 1859, about 25-30 American citizens and a similar number of British subjects inhabited the island. Both groups claimed the land as their own, creating a tense atmosphere ripe for conflict.
The Pig Incident
On June 15, 1859, a pivotal event occurred. Lyman Cutlar, an American farmer, shot and killed a pig belonging to the Hudson’s Bay Company.
The pig had been rooting in Cutlar’s potato patch, destroying his crops. This wasn’t the first time it had happened. Cutlar, fed up with the recurring problem, took matters into his own hands.
When British authorities threatened to arrest Cutlar, American settlers called for military protection. This seemingly minor incident quickly escalated, drawing in both nations’ armed forces and setting the stage for a potential war.
Escalation and Diplomacy
The Pig War of 1859 quickly escalated from a dispute over a slaughtered swine to an international incident. Both the United States and Britain mobilized military forces, but cooler heads ultimately prevailed through diplomatic efforts.
American and British Military Response
When news of the pig’s death reached American and British authorities, they sprang into action.
The U.S. dispatched Captain George Pickett with an infantry company to San Juan Island.
Not to be outdone, the British sent three warships under the command of Captain Geoffrey Hornby.
The situation grew tense as both sides dug in. Pickett’s men established a camp on the southern end of the island while British ships patrolled the waters nearby. The potential for conflict loomed large.
As reinforcements arrived, the American force swelled to over 450 soldiers. The British countered by deploying five warships carrying 2,140 men to the area.
Governor James Douglas’s Role
James Douglas, the Governor of Vancouver Island, played a pivotal role in the escalating crisis.
Initially, Douglas advocated for a forceful response to remove the American troops from San Juan Island.
However, as the situation unfolded, Douglas’s stance softened. He recognized the potential for a minor incident to spiral into a full-scale war between two great powers.
Douglas began to favor a more measured approach. He communicated with British naval commanders, urging restraint and caution in their dealings with the Americans on San Juan Island.
Peace Efforts
As tensions mounted, both sides recognized the absurdity of going to war over a pig.
Diplomatic channels opened, with officials from Washington and London becoming involved.
U.S. President James Buchanan sent General Winfield Scott to negotiate with Governor Douglas. Scott, known for his diplomatic skills, arrived in the Pacific Northwest in October 1859.
Scott and Douglas quickly reached an agreement. They proposed a joint military occupation of San Juan Island until a final border settlement could be reached.
This compromise defused the immediate crisis. American and British troops would coexist on the island, each confined to separate camps. The arrangement would last for over a decade until the final resolution in 1872.
Resolution
The Pig War’s resolution unfolded through diplomatic channels, involving international arbitration and a landmark treaty. These efforts ultimately led to a peaceful settlement of the border dispute between the United States and Great Britain.
German Arbitration
Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany played a pivotal role in resolving the Pig War conflict.
In 1871, the United States and Great Britain agreed to arbitration by the German emperor. This decision marked a significant shift towards peaceful negotiation.
Wilhelm I assembled a three-man commission to examine the dispute. They meticulously studied maps, historical documents, and legal arguments from both sides. Their task? To determine the rightful owner of the San Juan Islands.
After careful deliberation, the commission reached a verdict. On October 21, 1872, they ruled in favor of the United States. This decision effectively ended the 13-year standoff, awarding the San Juan Islands to America.
The Treaty of Washington
The Treaty of Washington, signed in 1871, set the stage for the Pig War’s resolution. This comprehensive agreement addressed several outstanding issues between the United States and Great Britain.
The treaty’s significance extended beyond the San Juan Islands dispute. It covered various matters, including fishing rights and Civil War claims.
Most importantly, it established a framework for peaceful arbitration.
By agreeing to third-party arbitration, both nations demonstrated a commitment to diplomacy. This approach marked a departure from potential military confrontation.
The treaty’s success in resolving the Pig War showcased the power of international negotiation.
The Treaty of Washington’s impact resonated far beyond its immediate resolution. It set a precedent for peaceful dispute resolution between nations, influencing future diplomatic efforts.