Seminole Wars, (1817–18, 1835–42, 1855–58), three conflicts between theUnited States and theSeminole Indians ofFlorida in the period before theAmerican Civil War that ultimately resulted in the opening of the Seminole’s desirable land for white exploitation and settlement.

TheFirst Seminole War (1817–18) began over attempts by U.S. authorities to recapture runaway Black slaves living among Seminole bands. Under GeneralAndrew Jackson, U.S. military forces invaded the area, scattering the villagers, burning their towns, and seizing Spanish-heldPensacola and St. Marks. As a result, in 1819Spain was induced to cede its Florida territory under the terms of theTranscontinental Treaty.

TheSecond Seminole War (1835–42) followed the refusal of most Seminoles to abandon the reservation that had been specifically established for them north ofLake Okeechobee and to relocate west of theMississippi River. Whites coveted this land and sought to oust the Seminoles under theIndian Removal Act. Led by theirdynamic chiefOsceola (q.v.), the Seminole warriors hid their families in theEverglades 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. Only after Osceola’s capture while parleying under a flag of truce didIndian resistance decline. With peace, most Seminoles agreed to emigrate.

Seminole Wars events

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First Seminole War

1817 - 1818

Second Seminole War

December 28, 1835 - 1842

Battle of Lake Okeechobee

December 25, 1837 - December 28, 1837

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TheThird Seminole War (1855–58) resulted from renewed efforts to track down the Seminole remnant remaining in Florida. It caused little bloodshed and ended with the United States paying the most resistant band of refugees to go West.