The 1700s brought to Florida a new people and saw its ancient tribes drift into history. Creeks of the Southeast joined forces with the Africans fleeing from the bondage of slavery. European dominance- first by the Spanish, follwed by British, and later by the Americans-- erased the last villages of the native Floridians.

The new tribes, who later would include a youthful "Chief" Osceola, drifted deep into the Florida interior, seeking sanctuary. The vast pine, cypress and palmetto open land between the St. John and  Kissimmee Rivers provided a safe haven. This haven for mosquitoes remained the remote homeland of the Seminoles throughout the 1700s.

1728 - Spain ended slavery in Florida after African soldiers joined the Spanish to drive out the British.

1763 - The British took control of Florida.

1776 - Thirteen of the American Colonies rebelled against the British crown, declaring their independence in July 1776. However, the Florida colony remained loyal to the British, which protected the frontier.

1779 - A year after joining France in declaring war against Britain in 1779, Spain captured Pensacola and took control of West Florida.

1783 - Spain took possession of Florida and the Louisiana territory at the end of the Revolutionary War.