Examining Miami Area Incidences and Impacts of Settler and Native American Conflict during the Second Seminole War

Abstract

This article explores the overlooked history of conflicts during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842) in Southeastern Florida, focusing on the Miami area between 1836 and 1849. It delves into specific incidents, such as the Attack on the Cape Florida Lighthouse and various encounters involving Colonel William S. Harney and the 2nd Dragoons. The narrative details the establishment of Fort Dallas in response to the hostilities and its subsequent role as a pivotal center for the development of Miami. The author argues that the violent skirmishes between white settlers and Seminoles created a pervasive culture of fear, adversely affecting the growth of the Miami area. Additionally, the article examines the long-term impact of these conflicts on the population decline in the region, as reflected in census data, and underscores the complex interplay between settler-native relations during this critical period in Florida's history.