The Pig War: How a Single Foraging Hog Nearly Triggered a Border War

Among the many islands in the archipelago which makes up the Georgian Strait between Vancouver Island and the mainland, is San Juan Island. This rockbound region played an important part in the boundary dispute between England and the United States. Forty years ago, when the States demanded a higher northern boundary for Oregon, the political war cry was, 'Fifty-four forty or fight!' The result, however, was neither the one thing nor the other; there was much disputing and an ultimate settlement upon the present boundary of 49 degrees North latitude. But ultimately, a foraging pig and a stubborn settler got the two countries by the ears in the 'San Juan controversy.' This land was used as a sheep pasture by the Hudson Bay Company, then the masters of this whole region. An American came over and set up an establishment on the point of the island. One of the Hudson Bay pigs foraged in the American's garden, and he is said to have shot it and threatened to shoot its owner. The latter appealed to the company, and they prepared to drive out the American. But he was too quick for them, and got General Harney to send a company of soldiers over, who took possession, set up the American flag and claimed the island. Two British war vessels went over to shell them out, and it looked for a while like warm work, but there was no outbreak, owing to the judicious forbearance of the English Admiral and General Harney. Finally, the Emperor of Germany was selected as arbitrator, and the island awarded to the United States.