The Piggy War

In 1859, the Pig War brought the United States and Great Britain to the brink of war on Washington's San Juan Islands after an American farmer shot a British-owned pig that had wandered into his potato patch. What began as a simple dispute quickly escalated into an international standoff, with hundreds of American soldiers and British warships facing each other across the island, yet remarkably, not a single human life was lost. The conflict ended through diplomacy and years of peaceful joint occupation before an international arbitration awarded the San Juan Islands to the United States in 1872. Join us as we uncover the surprisingly tense, often humorous story of how one unfortunate pig nearly changed the map of the Pacific Northwest forever. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes references to abuse, trauma, and death. Listener discretion is advised. 🎧 Enjoy the episode? Follow, share, and leave a review ! It helps more curious minds find us! 💌 Got theories or personal cult encounters? Email us at [email protected] or DM on Instagram @BTEPodcast Full source list and supplemental materials are available on our website at Beneaththeevergreens.com. 💜If you’re struggling with mental illness, you are not alone Episodes that touch on fear, mystery, or the unknown can sometimes stir up difficult feelings. If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or any other mental health challenge, please know there is support available and people who want to help. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (United States): Call or text 988 any time for free, confidential support from trained counselors. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to chat with a crisis counselor 24/7. NAMI HelpLine (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640 for guidance, information, and emotional support. The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults): Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or use the online chat. Outside the U.S.: Visit www.iasp.info/crisis-centres to find mental health crisis lines in your area. You deserve care, understanding, and support. Reaching out is a sign of strength.