Battle of Okeechobee – Historical Reenactment, Florida

On the banks of Lake Okeechobee, Florida, USA, I had the pleasure of observing the Battle of Okeechobee Reenactment; fought by the Seminole Indians, the 1st, 4th and 6th Infantry Units and 132 Volunteers, also known as The Second Seminole War.

The Battle Of Okeechobee, reenactment in full swing
The Battle Of Okeechobee, reenactment in full swing

The time was 1837, the reason was forced relocation of the Seminole Indians. Seminole Warriors Billy Bowlegs, Alligator and Abiaca led the deadly resistance against the US commander Colonel Zachary Taylor. Both sides eventually declared victory!

Battle Of Okeechobee, War Field
Battle Of Okeechobee, War Field

132 Volunteers from Missouri were sent forward on the first line of the sawgrass swamp strike. The Seminoles fierce attack sent the volunteers scattering, but not before the Volunteer’s commander Colonel Richard Gentry was killed.

Volunteers head to war in The Battle of Okeechobee reenactment
Volunteers head to war in The Battle of Okeechobee reenactment

Of the enlisted men, 112 were wounded and 26 were killed. Due to the exceptional tactical skill of the Seminole indians, their losses were considerably less at 11 killed and 14 wounded. Due to slowing down the forces, Seminole elderly, women and children were able to escape to their Everglade hideouts.

Enlisted Men, Battle Of Okeechobee - Reenactment
Enlisted Men, Battle Of Okeechobee – Reenactment

The Battle of Okeechobee reenactment was tastefully chronicled as it played out, allowing the audience to learn and understand the history of The Second Seminole War.
Other attractions included Artisan Booths, Horse rides, Alligator, snake and turtle presentations by Native Village and the Presentation of Colours.  The song Seminole Wind was also sung at the pre-battle show.

A good time was had by all! Take a look at the Photo Album for more pictures of this amazing event.

Of Possible Interest:

Wikipedia
Battle of Okeechobee – Photo Album
Battle of Okeechobee – YouTube
Encyclopedia Britannica Info
Lake Okeechobee
Brighton Field Days Festival – Seminole Indians
Lake Okeechobee Rodeo
Seminole Indians – YouTube
Sour Orange Festival, Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee – YouTube
Rodeo – YouTube

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Diane Misol

Canadian living in Germany - Enjoying Travel & Documenting as I go! My goal is to bring you honest reporting based on my experience. As blogging took over the internet, so did glossy photos and life is perfect mentality. The world is now officially viewed through rose coloured glasses. I aim to bring you a truer, more realistic version. Hope you enjoy and please share if you do.

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