American Camp Flagpole

American Camp in 1869

American Camp (primarily known as Camp San Juan Island) shown in this picture in1868, remained active through July 17, 1874. Eight companies or batteries from four regiments -- all regular army -- under command of 15 different officers manned this post. They endured isolation, bad food, worse quarters and crushing boredom. Unlike the officers, enlisted men seldom went home on leave because they could not afford the $300 for round-trip steam ship passage east. As an escape, some sneaked off to fraternize with civillians in nearby San Juan Village, knowingly risking company punishment, which might include carrying a 40-pound log around the post perimeter or riding a sawhorse all day. A few committed suicide, while many more deserted. Officers attempted to head off trouble by keeping the men busy with endless drill, which took place on the expanse of parade ground in front of you.