The War That Was Started Over a Pig

The War That Was Started Over a Pig
The Pig War of 1859, a conflict between the United States and Great Britain that remarkably did not result in human casualties, is one of the most peculiar conflicts in history. Sparked by the shooting of a pig, this incident underscores how minor events can escalate into international disputes.
The Causes of the Disagreement The Oregon Treaty of 1846, which was meant to settle territorial disputes between the United States and Great Britain in the Pacific Northwest, is where the Pig War got its start. Although the treaty stated that the line would continue "through the middle of the channel which separates the continent from Vancouver Island," it was unclear where exactly the boundary would go. It was established along the 49th parallel. The United States favored the Haro Strait, while Britain supported the Rosario Strait as the proper boundary, as a result of this ambiguous language. The San Juan Islands, which are located in the middle of these straits, became the center of contention. The Case of the Pig On June 15, 1859, American settler Lyman Cutlar discovered a pig rummaging through his potato patch on San Juan Island. Frustrated by repeated incidents, Cutlar shot the pig. The animal belonged to Charles Griffin, an Irishman employed by the British Hudson's Bay Company. When Cutlar offered $10 in compensation, Griffin demanded $100, asserting the pig's value. American settlers sought military protection when British authorities threatened to arrest Cutlar, escalating the disagreement. Military Escalation. Responding to the settlers' plea, Brigadier General William S. Harney dispatched Captain George E. to San Juan Island with Pickett and 66 soldiers. The British government responded by sending three warships commanded by Captain Geoffrey Hornby. The United States had increased its presence to 461 troops and 14 cannons by August, while the British had 2,140 men on five warships. Despite the military buildup, both sides were instructed to avoid initiating conflict .
Diplomatic Resolution. Recognizing the potential for war, U.S. President James Buchanan sent General Winfield Scott to negotiate with British officials. Scott proposed a joint military occupation of the island, with each nation maintaining a token force. This arrangement lasted for 12 years, during which time relations between the camps were amicable, with soldiers attending each other's social events and even sharing church services .
Final Settlement
In 1871, the dispute was submitted to international arbitration under the Treaty of Washington. The German king Kaiser Wilhelm I served as the arbitrator. On October 21, 1872, the arbitration commission ruled in favor of the United States, designating the Haro Strait as the boundary. Consequently, the San Juan Islands became U.S. territory. British forces withdrew in November 1872, and American troops followed suit by July 1874 .
Legacy
The Pig War exemplifies the effectiveness of diplomacy and the significance of clear treaty language. The American and British camp sites are now preserved in the San Juan Island National Historical Park, which serves as a reminder of this unusual period in history. The conflict, devoid of human casualties, highlights how measured responses can prevent escalation, even when tensions run high over seemingly trivial matters.
Military Escalation
Brigadier General William S. responded to the plea of the settlers by Captain George E. was dispatched by Harney. to San Juan Island with Pickett and 66 soldiers. In retaliation, British authorities sent three warships under Captain Geoffrey Hornby. The United States had increased its presence to 461 troops and 14 cannons by August, while the British had 2,140 men on five warships. Both sides were instructed not to start a fight despite the military buildup.