Historic Landscape Report: American and British Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park

Gilbert, Cathy

Historic Landscape Report for American and British Camp at the San Juan Island National Historical Park. The purpose of this study is to identify significant historic features and landscape patterns at American Camp and British Camp and incorporate those components into design proposals for both sites. The goal of the study it to develop a range of appropriate designs that protect significant historic landscape resources and enhance visitor understanding and access to those resources. In this study, American Camp and British Camp were regarded as two individual sites with a common historic link and fixed period of historic significance. A comprehensive review of all National Park Service (NPS) planning reports, administrative materials and historic documents on file in the park and the regional office was undertaken prior to intensive work at both sites. Collectively, these documents helped clarify the existing data base, programmatic needs and directions for additional research. The historic landscape study for San Juan Island was divided into three phases: research, analysis and evaluation, and design development. In addition to park and regional office files, historical research was conducted at the Northwest Collection, University of Washington; the Department of Natural Resources in Olympia, Washington; and the Provincial Archives in Victoria, British Columbia. Correspondence with the National Archives in Washington, DC also yielded important documents and information. Concurrent with historical research, fieldwork was conducted at each site and documentation of the existing conditions was completed. The third task during the research phase of the project involved a review and assessment of archeological work done at both sites in the 1970s. With the assistance of the Regional Archeologist, a large amount of data was synthesized and significant new investigations were incorporated into this landscape report. Analysis and evaluation of the historic landscape of American Camp and British involved organization and synthesis of historic documentation, archeological data and contemporary site features and conditions. Two types of analysis were used. The first technique involved an evaluation of individual artifacts and remnant features at each site. Historic base maps, archeological base maps, and maps depicting the location of existing individual structures and landscape components were combined in a series of map overlays. From this process it was possible to assess the physical integrity of the remaining individual features. The second technique incorporated this information and documented five significant landscape systems at each site. Because British Camp and American Camp have a fixed period of significance (1859-1872), this analysis included relevant data from the historic period for each system evaluated. This technique greatly enhanced understanding of complex land uses and existing landscape systems within a historic context. From this analysis, significant landscape features and patterns were identified and their historic significance and integrity assessed according to National Register criteria. Design recommendations were then developed that address preservation and enhancement of each historic site. The intent of this study is to develop a range of appropriate design alternatives for American Camp and British Camp, based on the historic record and on programmatic needs of the park. It is not within the scope of this study to develop construction drawings or cost estimates for proposed work. A list of future planning options for implementation of proposals made in this report are included in the appendix of this report. A comprehensive collection of design details for the park can be found in the Visual Compatibility Guidelines for San Juan Island National Historical Park.

Historic Landscape Report: American and British Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park

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