James Lauderdale had served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and as payment for his service, was given a land grant in the frontier of Tennessee.

[4] After the battle he marched south and established a military post on the New River, which would be subsequently named Fort Lauderdale.

Lauderdale later led his troops in an unsuccessful attempt to catch Seminole chief Abiaka at the Battle of Pine Island Ridge.

At his funeral, one witness reported, "In the presence of a riderless horse, the band played, colors were presented, and a barrage of artillery and muskets fired a salute.

[7] A statue of the military officer,[8] sculpted and bronzed by a West Palm Beach artist was unveiled in William Lauderdale Park in 1988 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Pine Island, and a military outpost called "Fort Lauderdale" in Broward County.