History lives here: San Juan Island’s Old Military Road, then and now

May 12, 2021 1:30 am
Many of the same techniques used to survey and cut a track along the 49th parallel were used to construct the Military Road on San Juan Island. (Contributed photo)
Many of the same techniques used to survey and cut a track along the 49th parallel were used to construct the Military Road on San Juan Island. (Contributed photo)

Submitted by Old Military Road Trail Committee

Join Historian Mike Vouri and members of the Old Military Road Trail committee at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 15 as they explore the southern starting point of the Military Road that once ran between American and English Camps.

Learn how the old road was initially cut by laborers employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company to seek pasturage for The Company’s flocks that expanded into thousands of head. Following the Pig War crisis of 1859, British Royal Marines and U.S. Army soldiers expanded the road to enhance communications and maintain peace during the 12-year joint military occupation.

The road served as a vital conduit for settlement and commerce as well, eventually birthing the county roads we use today.

Meet at the new American Camp Visitor Center. Masks Required.