The state of Florida will pay $2.3 million to preserve the Okeechobee Battlefield, the site of a key Seminole battle with the United States.

Warriors from the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes, along with runaway slaves, fought U.S. soldiers on Christmas Day 1837. The Army declared victory but the government was unable to remove either the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes, who remain in Florida today.

Gov. Jeb Bush (R) and his cabinet voted unanimously to buy the 145.5 acres. The tribe has been fighting to preserve the site for 21 years.

The Okeechobee Battlefield was placed on the list National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of most endangered places in 2000 [Listing].

Get the Story:
Bush, Cabinet agree to buy Lake Okeechobee battlefield (AP 4/5)

Relevant Links:
Seminole Tribe - http://www.seminoletribe.com
Okeechobee Battlefield - http://www.okeechobeebattlefield.com