I had no idea
Monday November 16th 2020, 10:52 pm
Filed under: History

Did you know we almost went to war with Britain in 1859 over a pig?

Quote, albeit a conjectural one:

Cutlar: “…but it was eating my potatoes!”
Griffin: “Rubbish. It’s up to you to keep your potatoes out of my pig”. 

Unquote.

And that several dozen soaked sheep were involved? Not to mention three warships and 2600 troops? A future Confederate General in the future Washington State?

And that Kaiser Wilhelm of all people helped settle the dispute?

Not sure how I stumbled across Interweave’s page about the pig war, but here it is, with more British and fewer American details over here at the UK. I had to read more because I’d never heard of this before.

So, c’mon, you guys, tell us the important part, did they barbecue the pig? Bacon? Right?

So that’s how we have one national park that flies another country’s flag: the Union Jack. A gift from the loser. But then, Vancouver Island’s not bad as a consolation prize.


4 Comments so far
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Never made it to San Juan Island, but did go over the bridge at Deception Pass between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. Long way down …

Comment by Anne 11.17.20 @ 3:12 am

Wow, no, I never heard this story!

Comment by ccr in MA 11.17.20 @ 6:50 am

I went to that park that commemorates this incident in the Pacific Northwest! It was on vacation, sandwiched between ferry rides, trips to alpaca farms, and good food…all a blur now. 🙂 However, yes, this was a real incident and I went there!

Comment by Joanne Seiff 11.17.20 @ 1:39 pm

Echoes a little too much like the conjectural quote heard from some folks these days, “its up to you to keep your mucus membranes away from my virus!”

Like then, we need some adults to step in.

Comment by twinsetellen 11.17.20 @ 9:14 pm



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