PORT TOWNSEND — The 500 people who showed up for the 150th anniversary celebration of Old Fort Townsend on Saturday had to cover their ears several times throughout the day.
If they hadn’t, their ears still would be ringing.
Not only did the Civil War re-enactors from San Juan Island bring 1800s-style uniforms, tents and muskets, but they also brought the granddaddy of firepower for the time — a Howitzer that could blast a 12-pound load at enemies.
But on Saturday, each blast shot only smoke after the weapon had been loaded with about 1/3 pound of gunpowder.
The leader of the troupe, Ron Garner, assuming the position of sergeant, called out orders to his soldiers to load the Howitzer with the gunpowder, load the flint, stand clear and . . . BANG!
Pig War
The re-enactors regularly commemorate the Pig War of 1859 that took place on San Juan Island where the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a killed pig.
The Oregon Treaty of 1846 gave the United States clear possession of the Pacific Northwest but left ownership of San Juan Island in doubt.
Tensions came to a head after an American settler shot and killed a pig that belonged to the Hudson Bay Company.
As the conflict grew, soldiers from Fort Townsend were relocated to American Camp on San Juan Island.
In the end, hostilities were resolved without a single shot being fired.
Except, of course, for the shot that killed the pig.
“We didn’t have a shooting war,” Garner said. “And today we’re talking about peace.
“Peace is a very good thing to talk about.”
Layers of respect
A high point of the event was a lowdown on underwear.
Clad in a traditional dress of the 1800s — which included the seven layers of undergarments required for a respectable lady — Lynda Guernsey displayed each layer, piece by piece, and described its significance.
Kate Burke, park manager, deemed the day a success and said she hoped to see it become an annual event.
The celebration continues today, beginning with a flag raising at 9 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.
At 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. the Howitzer will be fired. The underwear show will start at 10:30 a.m. and the rifle demonstration will be at 11 a.m.
Old Fort Townsend is about four miles south of Port Townsend on state Highway 20.