The Pig War

The Northwest Boundary Dispute between Great Britain and the United States in the mid-19th century was a significant event in the history of both nations, culminating in what is known as the Pig War of 1859. This conflict, sparked by the seemingly trivial shooting of a pig, highlights the complexities of territorial disputes and the importance of diplomacy in international relations.

The roots of the Northwest Boundary Dispute can be traced back to the early 19th century when both British and American settlers laid claims to the Pacific Northwest. The British presence was primarily represented by the Hudson’s Bay Company, which had established trading posts throughout the region. At the same time, American settlers and explorers, motivated by the spirit of Manifest Destiny, began to move westward, establishing their own settlements.

In 1818, the Treaty of Joint Occupation was signed, allowing both British and American citizens to settle and trade in the Oregon Country. However, this treaty left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the precise boundary line between the two nations.

To address the ambiguities of the Treaty of 1818, the United States and Great Britain signed the Oregon Treaty in 1846. This treaty established the 49th parallel as the boundary between British North America and the United States from the Rocky Mountains to the Strait of Georgia. However, the treaty’s language was vague concerning the fate of the San Juan Islands, located between Vancouver Island and the mainland.

The British and Americans interpreted the treaty differently. The British claimed the boundary ran through the Haro Strait, placing the San Juan Islands under British control, while the Americans believed the boundary was through the Rosario Strait, which would grant them the islands.

The San Juan Islands soon became a hotspot for conflict as both British and American settlers began to establish themselves on the islands. The Hudson’s Bay Company set up a sheep ranch on San Juan Island, while American settlers, encouraged by the U.S. government, also took up residence. This cohabitation was fraught with tension, as each group asserted their national claims to the land.

On June 15, 1859, the simmering tensions boiled over in what came to be known as the Pig Incident. Lyman Cutlar, an American farmer, found a large black pig rooting in his garden and, in frustration, shot the animal. The pig belonged to Charles Griffin, an Irishman employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Griffin demanded compensation, which Cutlar refused to pay, arguing that Griffin should keep his pig out of Cutlar’s garden.

This seemingly minor dispute escalated as both sides called for military support. The Americans sent a company of soldiers under Captain George Pickett to San Juan Island, while the British dispatched three warships under Captain Geoffrey Hornby.

The arrival of military forces transformed the San Juan Islands into a potential battlefield. The Americans established a camp on the southern end of the island, while the British set up their own fortifications to the north. Both sides were prepared for conflict, but cooler heads prevailed, and actual combat was avoided.

Captain Pickett and Captain Hornby, along with other military leaders, maintained a delicate balance, avoiding outright violence while asserting their respective nation’s claims.

As tensions mounted, diplomatic efforts were undertaken to resolve the dispute peacefully. General Winfield Scott, a respected American military leader, was sent to negotiate with British authorities. Governor James Douglas of Vancouver Island played a crucial role in these discussions. The two sides agreed to a joint military occupation of the island until a permanent resolution could be reached.

The final resolution of the Northwest Boundary Dispute came through international arbitration. In 1872, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany was chosen as the arbitrator. After careful consideration, he awarded the San Juan Islands to the United States, bringing the long-standing dispute to a close.

This decision was accepted peacefully by both sides, marking a significant moment in the history of international diplomacy. The peaceful resolution of the dispute set a precedent for future negotiations and demonstrated the importance of arbitration in resolving territorial conflicts.

The Pig War, despite its humorous name, holds a significant place in the history of American and British relations. It serves as a symbol of how even seemingly trivial incidents can escalate into major international disputes. More importantly, it highlights the effectiveness of diplomacy and negotiation in resolving conflicts.

Today, the Pig War is remembered through various commemorations and historical markers on San Juan Island. The peaceful resolution of the conflict is celebrated as a testament to the power of diplomacy and the enduring relationship between the United States and Great Britain.

The Northwest Boundary Dispute and the Pig War provide valuable lessons in the complexities of territorial disputes and the importance of diplomacy. From the early claims of the Hudson’s Bay Company and American settlers to the final arbitration by Kaiser Wilhelm I, this period of history demonstrates how nations can resolve their differences peacefully. The Pig War stands as a reminder of the power of negotiation and the enduring legacy of international cooperation.