The Second Seminole War, occurring from 1835 to 1842, was the longest and most costly Indian conflict in U.S. history, primarily fought in Florida. It originated from land disputes as the United States sought to settle its growing population westward, forcing Native Americans into designated areas. The American government aimed to relocate the Seminoles, driven by the policies of Indian Removal initiated by President Andrew Jackson. The war saw battles, skirmishes, and guerrilla tactics deployed by the Seminole leaders, chiefly Osceola and a coalition of warriors resisting relocation. The conflict cost the U.S. government thousands in military expenditures and hundreds of lives. By 1842, the U.S. military was exhausted, and negotiations commenced to end hostilities.

On August 14, 1842, a peace treaty was signed at Fort Gibson, marking the formal end of the Second Seminole War. This treaty required the remaining Seminole tribes, still holding out in the Florida swamps, to depart their homeland. The U.S. government maintained its military presence to enforce the treaty, leading to the significant removal of Seminoles from their native lands. While some Seminoles evaded capture and migrated deeper into the Everglades, the majority were forcibly relocated to Oklahoma, fulfilling the Indian Removal policy. This forced migration disrupted the traditional lives of the Seminole people, leading to lasting effects on their culture and society.

In the wake of the war, the Seminoles faced challenges in adapting to their new environment west of the Mississippi. The aftermath of the conflict also questioned the effectiveness of U.S. military strategies and policies towards Native Americans. The Second Seminole War illustrated the complexities of U.S. expansionism and its consequences on Indigenous populations, ultimately setting a precedent for future conflicts. The Seminoles would retain a distinct identity despite these upheavals, managing to maintain a degree of autonomy in their new homeland.