Battle of San Felasco Hammock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of San Felasco Hammock
Part of Second Seminole War
Date September 18, 1836 Location Newnansville, Florida Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Seminole
Commanders and leaders
John Warren	Ar-pi-uck-i
Strength
140 regulars 60 state militia	85 warriors 340 tribesmen
Casualties and losses
1 killed 1 horse killed	3 wounded

The Battle of San Felasco Hammock was an important fight during the Second Seminole War. This war was fought by the Seminole people of Florida. They were trying to stop the United States government from forcing them to move far away. The government wanted them to go to a place called the Arkansas Territory. This was part of a law called the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

The battle happened near a town called Newnansville, Florida. This town was built around a fort named Fort Gilleland. Today, the city of Alachua, Florida covers the area where Newnansville and Fort Gilleland once stood. The San Felasco Hammock, where the battle took place, is now a state park called San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park.

What Happened at San Felasco Hammock?

Planning the Attack

On the morning of September 18, 1836, Colonel John Warren led American forces. He sent out four brave scouts to check the area around San Felasco Hammock. They returned at 4 AM, but found nothing. Colonel Warren was sure the Seminoles were there. So, at 6 AM, he decided to march his troops out.

The American Forces

Colonel Warren had 100 mounted soldiers with him. These soldiers came from different companies. Captain D. D. Tompkins also joined with 25 of his men. They brought a large cannon called a 24-pound howitzer. The American troops were set up in three lines. Colonel Warren led the right side. Captain Tompkins led the middle. Lieutenant Colonel Mills led the left side.

The Battle Begins

When the American soldiers were about three-quarters of a mile from the hammock, their scouts spotted Seminole warriors. The Seminoles immediately started firing. They focused their attack on the right and center parts of the American line.

Fighting in the Woods

A large group of Seminoles tried to attack the American left side. But Lieutenant Colonel Mills's soldiers bravely charged them. They pushed the Seminoles back into a thick, wooded area. The American soldiers then got off their horses and chased them. They drove the Seminoles to the edge of the hammock. The big cannon then fired on the Seminoles, causing a lot of damage.

Seminole Counterattacks

After this, the Seminoles moved to the right side of the American line. They tried to attack that part. But Captain Walker and Lieutenant Bruten's soldiers successfully charged them. They pushed the Seminoles back into range of the cannon again. The cannon fired on them with great effect. The Seminoles tried very hard to hold their ground. They even charged the cannon twice. But they were pushed back from all directions.

The Chase and Retreat

The American soldiers chased the Seminoles for about a mile and a half. The chase went deep into the thick hammock. The area became too dense for the American soldiers to follow effectively. So, the Seminoles were able to get away.

Who Won the Battle?

The Battle of San Felasco Hammock ended in an American victory. The Seminoles were forced to retreat. This battle was one small part of the larger Second Seminole War.