The Pig War — The Outrageous 1859 Crisis That Nearly Led to Conflict Between the U.S. and Britain

Today in 1859, an American farmer on the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest shoots a hog owned by a British settler. The incident sparks what becomes known as the “Pig War,” a crisis that nearly leads to conflict between the US and Great Britain.

After the shooting, British authorities threatened to arrest the American, prompting U.S. residents on San Juan Island to demand military protection. Both nations dispatched troops to the islands, raising the specter of a potential war.

Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and diplomacy took over. Negotiations eventually led to a peaceful resolution, with both sides agreeing to a joint military occupation of the islands until the boundary dispute could be settled.

The Pig War remains a unique historical example of how minor incidents can escalate into international crises, highlighting the importance of diplomatic intervention.