This battle ended a brief peace by exposing U.S. intent to break the Macomb Treaty, resuming armed conflict in the Second Seminole War for three more years.
Key Facts
- Date
- July 23, 1839
- U.S. Unit
- 2nd Cavalry Regiment
- U.S. Commander
- Lieutenant Colonel William Harney
- Native Groups Involved
- Miccosukee, Muscogee, Seminole, Spanish Indians
- Conflict
- Second Seminole War
- Trigger Treaty
- Macomb Treaty (violated by U.S.)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Native American leaders learned that the United States intended to violate the recently negotiated Macomb Treaty, which had promised them the right to remain in Florida. This perceived betrayal prompted allied bands of Miccosukee, Muscogee, Seminole, and Spanish Indians to organize a coordinated attack on the U.S. presence along the Caloosahatchee River.
On July 23, 1839, a large, diverse force of allied Native Americans attacked a U.S. Army encampment and trading post on the Caloosahatchee River near modern North Fort Myers. The warriors overran the position, killing most of the soldiers and civilian traders. Lieutenant Colonel William Harney and a small number of troops narrowly escaped.
The battle broke the fragile peace established by the Macomb Treaty and reignited full-scale hostilities in the Second Seminole War. Fighting continued for approximately three more years before the conflict wound down, further entrenching the pattern of U.S.-Seminole armed conflict in Florida.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Lieutenant Colonel William Harney.
Side B
1 belligerent