USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Led by their dynamic chief Osceola (q.v.), the Seminole warriors hid their families in the Everglades and fought vigorously to defend their homeland, using guerrilla tactics. As many as 2, 000 U.S. soldiers were killed in this prolonged fighting, which cost the government between $40, 000, 000 and $60, 000, 000.

Detailed explanation-2: -During the 1830s, Osceola, a Seminole warrior, led members of his tribe in Florida in a valiant attempt to resist the US Army’s efforts to forcibly deport them to a reservation west of the Mississippi River.

Detailed explanation-3: -Billy Bowlegs was the principal Seminole leader in the Third Seminole War (1855-1858). Bowlegs and his war-weary band surrendered on May 7, 1858. Thirty-eight warriors and eighty-five women and children, including Billy’s wife, boarded the steamer, Grey Cloud, at Egmont Key to begin their journey to Indian territory.

Detailed explanation-4: -This threat gave the Seminoles favoring war, led by King Payne’s brother Bolek (also known as Bowlegs) the upper hand. Joined by warriors from Alligator (near present-day Lake City) and other towns, the Seminoles sent 200 Indians and 40 blacks to attack the Patriots.

Detailed explanation-5: -In December 1817, U.S. General Andrew Jackson was given command of U.S. forces in the area. In the following spring, he led troops against Seminole villages on Lake Miccosukee and along the Suwannee River, destroying them as he went.