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San Juan
Island NHP
P.O. Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA
98250

Telephone:
(360)378-2240
(360) 378-2902
(Wed.-Sun.)

FAX:
(360)378-2615
(360) 378-2996

E-mail:
Webmaster
Mike_Vouri@
nps.gov


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 The Pig War:
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A Resource Guide
For Teachers                  
         

What is this “Pig War” all about?  Why do we need a park about it?  These are questions most often asked by park visitors from outside the Northwest Washington region. When they learn that Great Britain and the United States almost plunged into war over a dead pig, the initial reaction is amusement.  After all, 19th century journalists did label the dispute with tongue in cheek. The challenge for our interpreters  is to demonstrate that here was one of those rare occasions when two nations chose to avoid war at all costs by opting for diplomacy and eventually binding arbitration; where restraint was demonstrated from the halls of power to the men in the ranks; and a lasting peace was assured along more than 3,000 miles of international border.

Thanks to a grant from the National Park Foundation, San Juan Island National Historical Park is now able to deliver this message to the doorsteps of schools

  

throughout Washington State. The Pig War Conflict and Resolution in the Pacific Northwest curriculum and traveling trunk program -- developed with Janet Oakley, education coordinator for the Skagit County Historical Museum in LaConner, Washington --  is designed especially for 4th/5th grade students whose curriculum includes Washington State history, but can be utilized at all grade levels. The package also includes an introduction to mediation techniques designed to maintain peace in the hallways and at home.    The curriculum and  traveling trunk offer a unique opportunity to underscore both topics through exercises, exhibits and handouts that are entertaining as well as thought provoking.

For information on ordering the trunk, or to book tours of San Juan Island National Historical Park, please contact the Division of Interpretation at (360) 378-2902; e-mail mike_vouri@nps.gov; or write PO Box 429, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Peter Dederich
Superintendent

   
   
The trunk contains objects associated with the peaceful joint occupation of San Juan Island, including uniform pieces, leather gear, cooking utensils and items that soldiers and marines may have carried in their haversacks. Schools pay only for return shipping.
       
       
Click above for pdf version of Resource Guide.