San Juan Island has been a Coast Salish homeland since time immemorial. In 1853, settler colonialism began under the auspices of the Hudson's Bay Company, a British corporation whose quasi-governmental powers made it a major force in Pacific Northwest colonization. American settlers arrived in 1858, stoking a boundary conflict known as The Pig War, and leading to a 12 year joint occupation by American and British military forces. This rich history has included diverse people from around the globe. Our park is the place to learn about some of these people such as the Hawaiian shepherds who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company, the redcoated Royal Marines who fought on imperial battlefields in Asia prior to living in San Juan Island, and the African-Americans who sought freedom on Vancouver Island which they pledged to defend against American invaders. Check out these pages to learn about these people who made history on San Juan Island. 
The Black PioneersThe Black Pioneers were Americans who emigrated to Victoria to escape racism and served as the local militia during The Pig War. 
The Hudson's Bay CompanyThe Hudson's Bay Company, a British fur trading corporation, created the first non-native settlement on San Juan Island. 
The Pig WarThe Pig War crisis in 1859 made San Juan Island a site of imperial struggle and international military occupation. 
1854 Customs ConflictA dispute between American officials and British subjects in 1854 anticipated the Pig War between American and British armies 5 years later 
Anna Pike Rosler HomesteadLearn about Anna Pike and the Rosler's family fascinating family history on San Juan Island. 
Outpost of EmpireLearn more about the history of the Royal Marines who traveled from China to San Juan Island where they lived at English Camp from 1860-1872 |
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Last updated: January 10, 2025