Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park was added to the park system on Nov. 30, 2006, utilizing funds from the Florida Forever initiative. The main focus of the park is to offer outdoor recreation opportunities to the public while also emphasizing conservation efforts. This specific area of the battlefield is carefully managed to maintain its historical and national significance, providing interpretation of the battle and hosting various living history events for both Florida residents and visitors.
One notable feature within the park is the original Battle of Okeechobee marker, erected in 1939 by the Florida Society of Daughters of the American Revolution as well as descendants of Col. Richard Gentry.
Situated on a portion of the Okeechobee Battlefield, Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park marks the site of the largest and most intense battle of the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). This conflict, the second war in a series of three between white settlers and Native American tribes, proved to be the lengthiest and most costly in terms of both financial expenditure and human lives.
The Battle of Okeechobee took place on Christmas Day 1837. Col. Zachary Taylor commanded a force of 800 troops, comprising of the 1st, 4th, and 6th Infantry Regiments, along with 70 Delaware Native Americans and 132 Missouri Volunteers led by Gentry. The troops engaged around 380 to 480 Seminole and Miccosukee Indians commanded by notable leaders such as Holata Micco (Billy Bowlegs), Arpiucki (Sam Jones), Halpatter Tustenuggee (Alligator), and Coacoochee (Wildcat), who were encamped on the northeastern shore of Lake Okeechobee. As the U.S. troops approached, the Delaware scouts signaled the presence of the Native American encampment.
Years later after the battle, Holata Micco (Billy Bowlegs) visited Washington where he encountered a portrait of Zachary Taylor within the Capitol buildings. Upon seeing the likeness, he paused, grinned, and proudly exclaimed, “Me whip!” showcasing a moment of recognition and reminiscence from his perspective.