The Seminole are a Native American people originally of Florida, and now residing in that state and in Oklahoma. The Seminole nation came into existence in the 18th century and was composed of Indians from Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, most significantly the Creek Nation, as well as African Americans who escaped from slavery in South Carolina and Georgia. While roughly 3,000 Seminoles were forced west of the Mississippi River, including the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, who picked up new members along their way, approximately 300-500 Seminoles stayed and fought in and around the Everglades of Florida. In a series of wars against the Seminoles in Florida, about 1,500 U.S. soldiers died. The Seminoles never surrendered to the U.S. government; hence, the Seminoles of Florida call themselves the "Unconquered People." The Seminoles are the only American Indian tribe never to sign a formal peace treaty with the United States
