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Why American and British troops faced off over one dead pig

By 1859, American and British settlers farmed San Juan Island, near Canada, because a treaty left its owner unclear.

An American farmer shot a British-owned pig eating his potatoes. When British officials threatened to arrest him, American settlers asked for protection. America sent soldiers; Britain sent warships.

Nobody fired a shot. The armies shared the island for 12 years, until Germany's emperor, acting as judge, gave it to the US.

Source: nps.gov

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