Experience the war that wasn’t: Pig War Encampment, July 20 and 21

The friendliest war in history may have been the Pig War, a 13-year conflict that determined the border between San Juan County and Canada. Not a shot was fired, and the American and British troops got along quite well, often celebrating holidays together. The National Historical Park Service will honor that unique war with their annual Encampment at English Camp.

During the two days, Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, living history interpreters dressed in period clothing will portray British Royal Marines, American soldiers, and Hudson Bay Company employees from the mid-1800s. Attendees can enjoy an array of demonstrations, including loom work, metalwork, and fur trade. The event depicts what life was like for members of the military and their families. There will also be games, music and dancing.

The Encampment has taken place nearly every year since 1998. According to Mike Vouri, retired park superintendent and island historian, the event was born after a celebration that installed a pole to fly the British flag.

As the British troops arrived and settled into what is now known as English Camp, they raised a wooden pole to fly the Union Jack. Once the islands were decided to be part of the United States, the soldiers peacefully packed up and left. The American soldiers rushed to the English Camp to fly Old Glory on the same wooden pole only to find that someone had mysteriously chopped it down.

The National Historical Park acquired the land in the 1950s and erected a wooden flagpole outside the English Gardens. That flagpole rotted out, and the park couldn’t raise funds to replace it. Vouri reached out to see if England might help. The English agreed to allocate $5,000 if the National Historical Park Service would match with $4,000, with one condition.

“The only thing the British wanted was a party. They wanted to underscore the friendship between the two countries,” Vouri said. “That was appropriate because the two had celebrated together for holidays and other special events.”

A new fiberglass flag pole was installed, the Union Jack was raised, and a celebration ensued, complete with living history interpreters. The party lasted for days and, when it was over, the organizers and participants decided that they had such a good time they wanted to do it again.

Chris DeStaffany, Oren Combs, Ron Garner, and Brad Smith, became core members of a non-profit called Battery D to help support living history events for San Juan Island National Historical Park. Rick Gaylor, Scott George, and several others were also involved. Without them, Vouri said, the event would not have happened.

“I’d never done anything like this before,” Vouri laughed. He also brought on Garner, a seasonal ranger with experience in living history events. Vouri took on the role of George Pickett, the American General stationed with his troop at American Camp. For years he performed a one-man play about the General that became so well-known he performed it in venues all over the state. He will be returning as Pickett this year.

Members of Battery D bought a canopy for the volunteers and organized a field kitchen for the actors. They were also incredibly skilled at period craft work. The group built a traveling forge replicating what the US Army would have had to shoe horses. They even made the wagon wheels.

“Rick did all the lathe work on the spokes, and Ron worked with volunteers to create the metal bands that went around the wheel,” Vouri said.

When each Encampment was over, the group would gather and discuss what went well, what did not, and what they would like to see in the future. During one of those sessions, seasonal ranger Simon Sobalewski suggested a Candlelight Ball. “Rick built a magnificent set of candle lanterns in the same pattern that would have been used by the British and Americans,” Vouri said. “We hung them up in the barracks and had the dance.” The Ball will be happening again this year.

Young people on the island have also been involved in the Encampment. Many grew up with the event, including Micheal Hendrickson, who now works for the fire district.

According to Vouri, the largest Pig War Encampment turnout occurred in 2009 when approximately 11,000 people attended on Saturday, and 9,000 on Sunday. Two famous ships, the Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain were anchored in the harbor. The bay was too shallow to bring them ashore, so guests had to travel to them via a long boat. Rangers carefully kept an eye on how many people were going on the bridge to the long boat, however, the moment when no ranger was around, the bridge nearly collapsed from the weight of the crowd. The crisis was averted, and everyone got off the bridge without getting in the water, Vouri said. Despite strained volunteers and resources because of the number of attendees, the weekend was a huge success.

“The event underscores the peaceful resolution of the war,” Vouri said. “All the reenactments speak about peace and focus on the skills and daily life. There was, after all, no fighting at all [during the Pig War].”

Pig War Encampment, 10 am to 3 pm July 20 and 21 at English Camp, in Friday Harbor. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/sajh.

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri
Canadians Scruffy, Tim and Simon Sobalewski prepare for the evening ceremony.

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri Canadians Scruffy, Tim and Simon Sobalewski prepare for the evening ceremony.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri Canadians Scruffy, Tim and Simon Sobalewski prepare for the evening ceremony.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri Canadians Scruffy, Tim and Simon Sobalewski prepare for the evening ceremony.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri Canadians Scruffy, Tim and Simon Sobalewski prepare for the evening ceremony.

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri
The first candlelight ball in 2000.

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri The first candlelight ball in 2000.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri The first candlelight ball in 2000.

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri
Simon Sobalewski and Daryl enlighten visitors.

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri Simon Sobalewski and Daryl enlighten visitors.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri Simon Sobalewski and Daryl enlighten visitors.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri Simon Sobalewski and Daryl enlighten visitors.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri Simon Sobalewski and Daryl enlighten visitors.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo by Mike Vouri Simon Sobalewski and Daryl enlighten visitors.