Enabling Legislation

Superintendent Carl Stoddard at park dedication
San Juan Island National Historical Park's first superintendent, Carl Stoddard,welcomes visitors during the park dedication in 1972. The park was created in 1966 to commemorate the peaceful resolution of the San Juan Boundary Dispute or "Pig War." George Pickett's great-grandson, Christiancy Pickett, attended the ceremonies along with dignitaries from three nations.

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An act to authorize the establishment of the San Juan Island National Historical Park in the State of Washington, and for other purposes. (80 Stat. 737)

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to acquire on behalf of the United States by donation purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or by exchange lands, interest in lands, and other such property on San Juan Island, Puget Sound, State of Washington, as the Secretary may deem necessary for the purpose of interpreting and preserving the sites of American and English camps on the island and commemorating the historic events that occurred from 1853 to 1871 on the island in connection with the final settlement of the Oregon Territory boundary dispute, including the so-called Pig War of 1859. Lands or interests therein owned by the State of Washington or a political subdivision thereof may be acquired only by donation.

SEC. 2. The property acquired under the provisions of the first section of this Act shall be known as the San Juan Island National Historical Park and shall commemorate the final settlement by arbitration of the Oregon boundary dispute and the peaceful relationship which has existed between the United States and Canada for generations. The Secretary of the Interior shall administer, protect, and develop such park in accordance with the provisions of the Act of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.), as amended and supplemented, and the Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666; 16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.).

SEC. 3. The Secretary of the Interior may enter into cooperative agreements with the State of Washington, political subdivisions thereof, corporations, associations, or individuals, for the preservation of nationally significant historic sites and structures and for the interpretation of significant events which occurred on San Juan Island, in Puget Sound, and on the nearby mainland, and he may erect and maintain tablets or markers at appropriate sites in accordance with the provisions of the Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666; 16 U.S.C. 461 et Seq.).

SEC. 4 There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums, but not more than $3,542,000 for the acquisition of lands and interests therein and for the development of the San Juan National Historical Park.

Approved September 9, 1966.
 
  • Photograph of a one story 19th century wood frame building with dramatic clouds behind it
    English Camp

    The English Camp Visitor Center is open from May-September, but the grounds are open year-round for a hike, stroll, or picnic.

  • Photo of a wooden badge reading
    Be A Junior Ranger

    The Junior Ranger program is a fun way to learn about our park's history and environment!

  • photograph of colorful wildflowers at Sunset
    American Camp

    American Camp's Visitor Center opened in 2022 and features interactive displays. It is regularly open May-November.

Last updated: November 13, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Phone:

360 378-2240

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