Key Facts
- Date
- November 1836
- Location
- Wahoo Swamp, Sumter County, Florida
- Distance from Fort Brooke
- ~50 miles northeast
- Distance from Fort King
- ~35 miles south
- U.S. commander
- General Richard K. Call, territorial governor of Florida
Strategic Narrative Overview
In autumn 1836, General Richard K. Call led a mixed force of Florida militia, Tennessee volunteers, Creek mercenaries, and U.S. Army and Marine troops into the Wahoo Swamp to destroy Seminole villages and farms along the Withlacoochee. A series of sharp engagements forced Seminole chiefs Osuchee and Yaholooche to retreat deeper into the swamp, but difficult terrain and dwindling supplies prevented Call from pursuing and delivering a decisive blow.
01 / The Origins
Following the outbreak of the Second Seminole War in late 1835, a portion of the Seminole and Black Seminole peoples of north and central Florida withdrew into the Wahoo Swamp to resist forcible removal demanded by the Indian Removal Act. They established settlements on dry land along the Withlacoochee River and used the swamp as a base for raiding U.S. military forces and plantations between Fort Brooke and Fort King.
03 / The Outcome
American forces withdrew from the Wahoo Swamp by the end of November 1836, having failed to break Seminole resistance or achieve a clear victory. General Call was relieved of his command the following month by General Thomas Jesup, reflecting U.S. frustration with the inconclusive campaign. The Seminoles retained control of the swamp as a refuge and continued their resistance.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Richard K. Call.
Side B
1 belligerent
Osuchee, Yaholooche.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.