Encampment 2012 Scheduled July 28

“The lessons of diplomacy are found right here,” said British Consul Mike Upton during the first Encampment in 1998.

NPS Photo

 

The 1860s Color Guard representing the park and the Battery Foundation march from the blockhouse during the first Encampment in 1998. Still active members include Park Ranger Ron Garner (far left), Chris DeStaffany (second from left) and Oren Combs (second from right).

NPS Photo

 

Re-enactors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada will once again celebrate peace as they gather for the 14th Annual Encampment scheduled July 28-29 on the English Camp parade ground.

The event is free except where noted. Disabled persons should call the park at [phone] or [phone] for special access information.

Highlight of this year's event include recreations of mid-19th century Royal Marine Light Infantry and U.S. Army camp life, demonstrations of black powder firing, music, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, sewing and cooperage and carpentry, along with the pageantry of period uniforms in scarlet and blue.

Saturday's schedule will culminate in the Candlelight Ball, scheduled at 8 p.m., in the English Camp barracks. The public is invited to join in the dancing and refreshments that will include the traditional cake and punch. Music for contra dancing will be provided by the folk group Sugar on the Floor.

Bookmark this page for periodic updates. A complete schedule will be released June 1.

 

The Encampment 2008 living history contingent poses for the annual photograph in front of the Royal Marine blockhouse at English Camp. As many as 150 re-enactors attend the event each year bringing frontier skills such as blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, maritime craft, cooking (and cleaning up), as well as soldiering skills.

Ron Garner Photo

 

Sam and Tim Watkins of Maple Ridge, BC have been attending Encampment together since the very first in 1998.

Ron Garner Photo

As with every year, Encampment 2012 commemorates the peaceful joint occupation of San Juan Island by British and American forces from 1859 to 1872, and final settlement of the Northwest Boundary dispute.

Throughout the joint occupation the garrisons exchanged visits to celebrate holidays that included Christmas, the Fourth of July and Queen Victoria's birthday. Typically the men would participate in athletic contests, imbibe in spirits and other refreshments and usually host a dance to which the community was invited.

The Encampment tradition was renewed in 1998 on the occasion of the dedication of English Camp's 80-foot flagpole, a gift to the park by the people of the United Kingdom. The event drew nearly 600 people to the parade ground, including distinguished guests and officials from both nations.

For more information about Encampment 2012, call [phone], ext. 2233 or e-mail.