American Camp

The current site of American Camp Parade Grounds was chosen by Lieutenant Colonel Silas Casey. He was sent to the island in 1859 with reinforcements for the imminent (but never fought) Pig War. Its location was chosen for strategic purposes (it was outside of range of British naval artillery and had abundant water) and its relative protection from the elements. During the peak of its operations, the camp had numerous buildings: a telegraph station, schoolhouse, infirmary, and blockhouse.

Compared to English Camp, American Camp was very utilitarian. Planners focused on its main purpose as a military camp, so there weren’t many decorative elements or recreational facilities. Even today, much less of the American Camp survives compared to English Camp; two of the three existing structures had to be relocated and moved to their current locations after our park was created. However, you can still come visit the original officer’s quarters, the Redoubt, Laundress Quarters, and the modern-day visitor center.

American Camp offers several hiking trails. Go up Mt. Finlayson for a view of Cattle Point Lighthouse, and on very clear days, Mt. Rainier. Go down to Fourth of July or South Beach to enjoy what the shoreline has to offer. Foxes, deer, rabbits, and bald eagles can be observed at a safe distance. The American Camp Parade Grounds is a short walk from the visitor center. Find out more things to do within our park!

Learn more about the history of American Camp.

 

American Camp Visitor Center
Phone: [phone], ext. 2226
Address: 4668 Cattle Point Rd., Friday Harbor, WA 98250