Osceola’s Rebellion

Osceola, a young warrior, refused to accept tribal elders’ decision to cede Seminole land in Florida and move to Oklahoma. In 1835 he murdered the tribal leader who had accepted removal, then spearheaded Seminole resistance. Seminole warriors, augmented by African Americans who had escaped to Florida from slavery, proved to be astute tacticians in guerrilla warfare. During the next seven years, the federal government spent $20 million, an immense sum, and lost 1,500 soldiers in a war to force the remaining Seminole from Florida. When Osceola hoisted a white flag to negotiate with federal officers, they seized him and put him in prison. He died shortly after George Catlin completed his portrait. Because of his courageous resistance and the treacherous manner of his capture, Osceola became famous after his death.