Why the U.S. and Britain Nearly Went to War Over a Pig

Why the U.S. and Britain Nearly Went to War Over a Pig

June 11, 2026 · 11 min

About this episode

The episode recounts the bizarre historical incident in 1859 when a pig caused a near-war between the U.S. and Britain.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1859, a pig wandered onto the wrong farm and sparked an international standoff. The United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a single hog on San Juan Island, in what is now Washington State. History teacher and  Our American Stories  regular contributor Anne Clare shares the story of the strange chain of events that followed, when pride, politics, and a dead pig led to armed troops, tense negotiations, and the possibility of war. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Guest: Anne Clare

Mentioned in this episode

Places: United States, Great Britain, San Juan Island, Washington State

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