EPISODE · Jun 4, 2026 · 24 MIN
The Mapmaker Who Accidentally Started a War
from The Rest of History · host Podcaster
In 1859, a Swiss cartographer's tiny measurement error on the U.S.-British Columbia border triggered a military standoff over a dead pig, nearly dragging two nations into combat. What started as a simple surveying mistake became the most absurd international incident of the 19th century—and changed how we settle border disputes forever. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Embed this episode
What this episode covers
In 1859, a Swiss cartographer's tiny measurement error on the U.S.-British Columbia border triggered a military standoff over a dead pig, nearly dragging two nations into combat. What started as a simple surveying mistake became the most absurd international incident of the 19th century—and changed how we settle border disputes forever.
NOW PLAYING
The Mapmaker Who Accidentally Started a War
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.