San Juan Islands

English Camp San Juan Island NHP

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Nestled on the sheltered shores of Garrison Bay at the northwestern edge of San Juan Island, English Camp serves as a serene monument to one of the most peculiar diplomatic standoffs in global history. Established in 1860, the site became the official home of the British Royal Marines during the "Pig War," a boundary dispute between Great Britain and the United States triggered by the shooting of a Hudson’s Bay Company pig by an American farmer. For twelve years, the two nations maintained a peaceful joint occupation of the island, with the Americans stationed at the southern end and the British residing in this picturesque northern outpost until an international commission finally awarded the archipelago to the United States in 1872.

The facility today is a meticulously preserved unit of the San Juan Island National Historical Park, offering a rare glimpse into 19th-century military life. Visitors can wander through the original parade grounds, where the British Union Jack still flies daily—a unique occurrence where U.S. National Park Service rangers hoist the flag of another nation to honor the site's history. Several original structures remain standing and accessible, including the barracks, which now houses the seasonal visitor center, a blockhouse built for defense, and a commissary that once stored the garrison’s vital supplies.

Beyond the military architecture, the camp is renowned for its lush formal garden, which was originally planted by the Royal Marines to provide a sense of home and fresh produce in the remote Pacific Northwest. This terraced garden, framed by traditional picket fencing and vibrant perennials, remains a centerpiece of the grounds. Just a short walk away, the Crook family farmhouse and orchard offer a transition into the site's post-military history, reflecting the decades when the land was a private homestead before being transferred back to public hands for preservation.

For those seeking both history and natural beauty, the camp features an extensive trail network that connects various points of interest. A moderately steep hike leads to the Royal Marine Cemetery on the slopes of Young Hill, where the remains of several British soldiers who died during the occupation are buried. Reaching the summit of Young Hill rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Canadian Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and the Olympic Mountains. Near the shoreline, visitors can also see a massive shell midden, a ten-foot-high mound of discarded shells left by the Coast Salish people who inhabited the bay for thousands of years before European arrival.

The camp truly comes to life during the summer months, particularly through the "Enacted Living History" programs held from June through August. On Saturdays, volunteers and rangers in period-accurate uniforms demonstrate 19th-century skills such as blacksmithing, weaving, and carpentry, allowing guests to step back in time. Whether one is exploring the tranquil waterfront where ospreys nest or contemplating the peaceful resolution of a potential war, English Camp remains a unique intersection of international diplomacy, indigenous heritage, and Pacific Northwest ecology.

National Park Service

Trip Advisor

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Fun Facts

The Royal Marines Cemetery sits quietly on the hillside, adding a reflective historical element. Over 80 Royal Marines lived here, many of whom had previously served in global conflicts such as the Crimean War and the Opium Wars, and enjoyed relatively comfortable living conditions here, including varied rations with meat, vegetables, tea, and even alcohol.

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Attraction Advice

The grounds at English Camp are open year-round. Admission is free.