Name/Title
Blockhouse at English Camp, San Juan IslandEntry/Object ID
2024.RSC.505Description
Photograph of the Blockhouse at English Camp, San Juan Island. C. 1968.
The blockhouse at English Camp, now a National Park, was officially designed as a fortification structure that could defend English Camp from attack. The blockhouse mostly acted as a place to confine civilians and soldiers who had broken laws or army rules. This blockhouse was likely based on the now nonexistent American Camp blockhouse which was originally a part of Fort Bellingham. Archaeological excavations also suggest that the blockhouse used to have a cobblestone porch and was surrounded by two sentry boxes where armed soldiers may have stood watch.The blockhouse never saw any combat activity. American and British forces developed an extremely friendly relationship from the very beginning of the joint occupation of San Juan Island in March of 1860. American soldiers and British soldiers regularly fraternized and delegations from English Camp traveled to American Camp to celebrate the 4th of July an Americans traveled to English Camp to celebrate the Queen’s Birthday.Photograph Details
Subject
Blockhouse at English CampSubject Place
National Park
English Camp, San Juan IslandRegion
San Juan Island, Cascades and Plateau, Salish SeaState/Province
WashingtonContinent
North AmericaCountry
United States of AmericaCollection
Roger Sherman Collection