Halleck Tustenuggee facts for kids

Halleck Tustenuggee (also spelled Halek Tustenuggee and Hallock Tustenuggee) was a brave Seminole warchief in the 1800s. He was born around 1807. He fought against the United States government in the Second Seminole War. Later, he even fought for the U.S. government during the American Civil War.

The name Tustenuggee means "Warrior" or "Grand Chief of War" in the Seminole language. It was a common name for important Seminole leaders. Halleck was born in central Florida. He was part of the Miccosuke clan. He strongly disagreed with white settlers taking Native American lands.

A Leader in the Second Seminole War

Halleck Tustenuggee was a key leader in the Second Seminole War. This war was fought in Florida from 1835 to 1842. It was a conflict between the Seminole people and the United States. The U.S. government wanted to move the Seminoles from their lands.

Battle of Lake Okeechobee

Halleck fought bravely at the Battle of Lake Okeechobee. This important battle happened on December 25, 1837. During the fight, Halleck took over leadership of the Seminole forces. He took command from the older warchief Arpeika, also known as "Sam Jones."

Attempts at Peace

On April 22, 1839, Halleck and other Seminole leaders met with Maj. Gen. Alexander Macomb. Macomb was the new military commander in Florida. They received a written promise that the Seminole people could stay in Florida. They just had to remain near Lake Okeechobee.

Both sides hoped the war was over. However, other groups of Native Americans in south Florida continued their attacks. Because of this, the ceasefire (a stop in fighting) soon ended. The war continued.

Halleck's Continued Resistance

In April 1840, Halleck was badly hurt by U.S. troops. This happened during a small fight near Fort King. Fort King was located in what is now Ocala. The U.S. troops were led by Capt. Gabriel J. Rains. Rains would later become a general in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

After he got better, Halleck Tustenuggee led many raids and small battles. For two years, he caused trouble for the U.S. Army in north Florida. In January 1842, the army sent soldiers to find Halleck's group. They found the Seminoles' camp near Lake George. But the Seminoles managed to escape capture.

The Last Battle and Capture

Halleck, with about seventy warriors, was finally defeated. This happened on April 19, 1842. The battle took place near a settlement called Peliklakaha Hammock. This area is in today's Lake County, Florida. This was the last major battle of the Second Seminole War in Florida.

After this, Halleck traveled between different forts. He talked about formally surrendering. But he was also collecting supplies and food for his people. A Federal officer named William J. Worth realized Halleck's trick. Worth then lured Halleck's family to Fort King. He promised them food and drinks at a celebration. Halleck soon arrived and was captured.

Halleck and his people were held as prisoners of war at Cedar Key. On July 14, Halleck and 66 of his followers were moved out of Florida. They were sent to the West. They arrived at Fort Gibson in the Indian Territory on September 5, 1842. Halleck briefly returned to Florida in 1850. He tried to talk with Chief Billy Bowlegs, who was still fighting against being moved.

Fighting in the American Civil War

During the American Civil War, Halleck Tustenuggee supported the U.S. government. This was known as the Union side. When Confederate troops and Native American tribes who supported the South moved against Union-supporting Native Americans, Halleck joined them. He joined the group led by Creek leader Opothleyahola.

Halleck led his Seminole warriors in three battles. These were the Battle of Round Mountain, the Battle of Chusto-Talasah, and the Battle of Chustenahlah. His forces were defeated in these battles. They were forced to escape to Kansas during a very cold winter. Halleck and the survivors settled near Fort Row. Sadly, several people died there from the cold and sickness.