English Camp on San Juan Island

After our lunch stop at the Westcott Shellfish farm, we motored the dinghy around the corner into Garrison Bay, a popular anchorage for boaters visiting English Camp.

When the Pacific Northwest border between the U.S. and British territories were in dispute, San Juan Island was occupied by both American and British troops — American Camp on the south end of San Juan Island, and the British on the northwest side of the island. Both nations claimed ownership of the San Juan Islands, which nearly led to war at the beginning of this confrontation.

The Oregon Treaty in 1846 had set the 49^th parallel as the boundary between the two nations, but the treaty was vague about which side of the San Juan Islands the boundary fell. Both British and Americans had settled on the island, establishing farms. A squabble over a pig in 1859 led to the exchange of threats (known as the Pig War), and both nations sent troops to set up camp on San Juan Island. After 12 years of peaceful joint military occupation, the issue was finally resolved. Over the years, the opposing camps developed friendly relationships, including joint dinners, socials, and sporting events. Some of the buildings at English Camp still remain, and visitors can walk the grounds and read the informative placards.

The English had it more comfortable than the Americans. Unlike the American Camp, where improvements were regularly denied, English Camp was well supported and had the advantage of being financed by the colonial government on Vancouver Island.

In 1867 a vegetable garden was established, which later became a formal garden for the commander’s wife. The gardens also served as a natural dividing line between the officers, who lived on the hill above, from the troops who lived in the barracks near the blockhouse below the hill.

Today, boaters can bring their dinghy ashore and tie-up at the park dock. The visitor center, located in one of the barracks, is open seasonally from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the grounds are open till dusk.

A trail connects English Camp with Westcott Bay Shellfish farm, a nice option to see both sites for those who enjoy hiking.

A trail leads from Westcott Shellfish farm to English Camp at Garrison Bay