Christmas Day, December 25, 1837, During the Second Seminole War, the Battle of Lake Okeechobee took place. The U.S. Army, under the Command of Zachary Taylor, 800 strong with 113 Missouri volunteers, fought 380-480 Seminoles led by Chiefs Billy Bowlegs (Below), Alligator, and Abiaca. Both sides claimed the victory, but the Army withdrew from the 3 deep mud and water, 5 high saw grass. Taylor earned his nickname Old Rough and Ready here. The War cost 1500 U.S. troops their lives and the Seminoles were not defeated. Fighting to remain on their land in the face of the Indian Removal Act. Years later when Chief Bowlegs was given a tour of Washington, visiting statues and portraits in museums, he came upon a portrait of Zachary Taylor, after his Mexican War and Presidency fame and grinned and exclaimed, Me Whip!. The Seminoles never surrendered nor were they defeated in 3 wars.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 15:56:56 +0000
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