Belle Vue Sheep Farm

The Hudson's Bay Company's "Home Prairie" establishment on San Juan Island was a gathering place for British and Americans alike in the 1850's. The artist's depiction at left reveals Belle Vue Sheep Farm in its heyday in September 1859 at the height of the Pig War crisis. At the time, the HBC was running more 4,500 sheep from several stations throughout the 54 square-mile island. Wool, mutton, salted fish and timber were shipped via Fort Victoria across the North Pacific basin. Click on the link below to learn more about the farm that set the tone for agricultural practices on San Juan Island.

2012 Superintendent's Compendium of Federal Regulations

The 2012 Superintendent's Compendium of federal regulations specific to San Juan Island National Historical Park is now in force. This document is assembled in accordance with the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations ("36 CFR"), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3. These provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of San Juan Island National Historical Park. Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent's use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.

Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, which list rules and regulations common to all National Park Service sites.

For information contact Chief ranger Barry Lewis by e-mail, or call (360) 378-2240, ext. 2225.

History and Culture

Restoring the Lone Prairie

The vast, open prairie landscape of America Camp is uniquely beautiful and rather unexpected in the western portion of the Pacific Northwest, where evergreen forests dominate the cliffs to the shoreline. Here you can stroll through the same spring wildflowers and ruffling grasses that the native peoples experienced hundreds of years ago. But the prairie is one the last surviving natural prairies in the Northern Straits and Puget Sound regions. Learn more about the park's ambitious project to restore the prairie to a pristine state. Learn more by reading our new Prairie Stewardship Guide, or click on the link below.