View Single Post
  #11  
Old 05-11-05, 07:14
Bruce MacMillan Bruce MacMillan is offline
a Canuck/Brit in Blighty
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Hell Fire Corner, Kent UK
Posts: 717
Default re: PIG WAR

You are talking about the Pig War. It was actually a beef between some Yankee settlers and the Hudson's Bay Company. Got blown out of proportion. Apparently the local US commander thought he could declare war against the British without Washington knowing about it. Eventually settled peacefully. Both sides partied together but camped at opposite ends of San Juan Island. There was no joint occupation of a fort. US President James Buchanan was a bit choked at US General Haney's attitude and had General of the Army Winfield Scott remove him.

Britain and the US had Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany arbitrate and the island group was eventually awarded to the US.

There are some nice forts and remnants throught the Pacific northwest. Remember the Spaniards were the first to visit this area in 1774.
Reply With Quote