San Juan Island National Historic Park

Only three buildings remain from the military camp that was located here for 14 years starting in 1859. Generally speaking, the buildings weren't built to last, so it's impressive that these have survived for more than 150 years.

The building pictured here was one of the officers' quarters. It was likely moved from Fort Bellingham in 1859 and occupied by Capt. George Pickett (of later Gettysburg fame). After the camp was disbanded in 1874 the building was auctioned off and converted into a farmhouse. It was later acquired by the National Park Service and restored to original condition.

The building next to it was the other officers' quarters. After the auction it was moved to downtown Friday Harbor and employed for over 130 years. In 2010 it too was acquired by the National Park Service, which moved it back to it's historic location.

You can read more about American Camp here: http://www.nps.gov/sajh/historyculture/upload/2012-American_Camp_History_Walk_online_color.pdf

This large glacial erratic sits near the redoubt at American Camp. It was left here by a receding glacier more than 10,000 years ago, and now bears a Daughters of the American Revolution plaque dedicated to Lt Henry Robert. In 1859 Robert was in the US Army Corps of Engineers when he designed and supervised the construction of a redoubt (earthwork) to protect American Camp from British warships. Both countries lay claim to San Juan Island at the time, and tensions ran high after a Hudson’s Bay Company pig was killed by an American farmer. You can read more about the Pig War here:

http://www.nps.gov/sajh/historyculture/upload/2012-American_Camp_History_Walk_online_color.pdf

Here we have the laundress' quarters, where as many as three laundresses and their families lived from 1860 to 1872. Each laundress washed the clothes of around 20 soldiers and earned about $20/month. She also had to be married, and if she lost her husband she had 60 days to find another or would be discharged from the camp.

The building itself isn't all that interesting, other than that is has survived for 150 years. After the camp was closed the house was purchased by Edward Warbass and moved to Friday Harbor where it survived as a private residence until 1972, at which time the Park Service purchased it, moved it back to it's original location, and restored it.

Visit San Juan Island National Historic Park

Activities

Friday Harbor travel guide

Popular places to visit

San Juan Island featuring island images, landscape views and a lighthouse

Cape San Juan

Visit the Cattle Point Lighthouse and see if you can spot some seals at the southern tip of San Juan Island.

American Camp Visitor Center

American Camp Visitor Center is just one of the places to see in Friday Harbor, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

San Juan Golf & Tennis Club

Catch an event at San Juan Golf & Tennis Club during your trip to Friday Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

San Juan Golf & Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Friday Harbor at San Juan Golf & Country Club. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

False Bay

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at False Bay during your travels in Friday Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Shark Reef Park

Explore the great outdoors at Shark Reef Park, a lovely green space in Lopez Island. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

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Roche Harbor Resort

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1400 Rosario Rd Eastsound WA

Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn

5316 Ferry Terminal Road Anacortes WA

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