The Battle of Wahoo Swamp demonstrated the difficulty of dislodging Seminole forces from Florida wetlands, contributing to the removal of General Call from command.
Key Facts
- Date
- November 1836
- Location
- Wahoo Swamp, modern Sumter County, Florida
- Distance from Fort Brooke
- ~50 miles northeast
- Distance from Fort King
- ~35 miles south
- US Commander
- General Richard K. Call
- Seminole Commanders
- Chiefs Osuchee and Yaholooche
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the outbreak of the Second Seminole War in late 1835, Seminole and Black Seminole groups retreated into the Wahoo Swamp, an unmapped wilderness along the Withlacoochee River, establishing settlements and using the area as a base for raids on US military posts and plantations between Fort Brooke and Fort King.
In autumn 1836, General Richard K. Call led a mixed force of Florida militia, Tennessee volunteers, Creek mercenaries, and US Army and Marine troops into the Wahoo Swamp to destroy Seminole villages and farms. A series of sharp engagements forced the Seminoles deeper into the swamp, but difficult terrain and dwindling supplies prevented Call from pressing the pursuit further.
American forces withdrew from the Wahoo Swamp by the end of November 1836, having failed to break Seminole resistance decisively. General Call was relieved of his command the following month by General Thomas Jesup, reflecting dissatisfaction with the inconclusive outcome of the campaign.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Richard K. Call.
Side B
1 belligerent
Chief Osuchee, Chief Yaholooche.