The Pig War

Territorial Disputes

The Pig War stemmed from unresolved territorial disputes between the U.S. and Britain over the Oregon territory. The treaty ambiguously defined the border through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, leaving the San Juan Islands in contention. Gary Arndt explains how both nations wanted control over San Juan Island due to its strategic location at the mouth of the strait 1. This ambiguity led to both American and British settlers establishing a presence on the island, setting the stage for conflict.

The US and Britain agreed to hold the islands in dispute and just sort of left it at that.

--- Gary Arndt

The lack of a clear resolution in the treaty eventually sparked the infamous Pig War.

   

Settler Tensions

Settler tensions on San Juan Island were fueled by mutual claims and settlement activities by both American and British entities. The Hudson Bay Company, representing British interests, established a sheep ranch, while about 25 American settlers also made their home on the island 1. The incident that ignited the Pig War occurred when American settler Lyman Cutler shot a pig belonging to Charles Griffin, an employee of the Hudson Bay Company.

According to one account of the story, which may or may not be true, Cutler told Griffin, your pig was eating my potatoes.

--- Gary Arndt

Griffin's demand for compensation and the ensuing refusal by Cutler escalated the situation, leading to British authorities being contacted and tensions rising further.