US Volunteers (Seminole Wars) Strelets-M161

During the Seminole Wars (1817-1858), American volunteers played a crucial role in military efforts to subdue Seminole resistance in Florida. These troops were composed of ordinary citizens, including farmers, merchants, and hunters, who responded to the call to arms issued by the state and federal governments. Without the discipline or formal training of the regular army, the volunteers were known for their familiarity with the terrain and their skill in hunting and bush fighting, essential skills in the irregular warfare that defined the conflict. Armed with muskets and hunting knives, they operated in small units, facing the harsh conditions of the swamps and the tenacious resistance of Seminole warriors. Despite their numbers and persistence, the volunteers faced numerous casualties due to ambushes and disease, reflecting the difficulties of this protracted and controversial military campaign.