Chief Osceola was a member of a native American tribe in Florida. Although most tribes did not oppose the white encroachment, Osceola was furious about the way the Seminoles were treated. He was determined to help maintain the Seminole heritage and homeland. This determination led to his willingness to take a leadership role within the tribe even though he never held the formal title of Chief. The county was named in honor of "Chief" Osceola in 1887, when Osceola County became Florida's 40th county.