The San Juan Island Standoff Cools Down
Tensions over the sovereignty of San Juan Island subside as the American settlement grows rapidly.
The excitement on and about the island of San Juan has entirely subsided. Governor Douglas now seems content to let the question of sovereignty rest with the home governments for settlement. The town or city of San Juan, which consisted, when we arrived, of one tent, now contains some ten or fifteen buildings, consisting of stores, bakehouses, dwellings, etc. It is truly wonderful to see the progress of the American people. If the town should continue to grow as it has for three months to come, it will undoubtedly be the largest city in Washington Territory.
“It is truly wonderful to see the progress of the American people.”
This report captures the 'Pig War' era, a tense border dispute between the U.S. and Britain. Today, San Juan Island is a peaceful national park, but the rapid, tent-to-town growth described here mirrors the frantic pace of development that has defined the Pacific Northwest for over a century.
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