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| Paynes Prairie |
In 1770, the English botanist William Bartram gave one of the most intriguing accounts we have of the Florida Indian or more specifically the Native Amercan's we now think of as Florida's indians - the Seminoles. With that account being recorded only a short distance from Florahome in the area of present day Micanopy and with the Seminoles also at that time raising cattle even a bit closer at Paynes Prairie, it seems a fitting place to continue the history of Native Americans in Florida. William Bartram's visit came in an unusual period of Florida history exploring the state under the flag of England. Florida had been Spanish ruled for generations and would continue to be fought over by Spain, England and finally the United States with Indians both native to Florida and the Seminoles who were not, caught in the middle. After 3 Seminole wars and the loss or 'removal' of Florida's Native American population, only a small defiant remnant of less than 300 Seminoles remained in the southernmost regions of Florida. From those last few survivors the Seminole Indians of Florida have established a remarkable and enduring place in the state's history. It was in that earlier time of William Bartram however, that those Creek Indians who came to be called Seminole or 'wild ones' for leaving their native Georgia for the wild's of Florida really began to form their unique identity that continues to evolve in the modern world. Even the newly acquired nickname 'Cowcatcher' given to the Seminole chief Bartram met along the edge of present day Tuscawilla Lake illustrates how the Seminole Indians were becoming increasingly more skilled at raising horses and cattle. Cowcatcher was also known for his great leadership ability which has perhaps been the key factor in preserving the Seminole people and their culture over the years - through the continued wise council of tribal leaders. Also, from the time of William Bartram, the ability of the Seminole Indians to adapt under the most challenging conditions imaginable has proved to be one of their greatest strengths and even though the Seminoles are no less indidualistic than any other group, native American or otherwise, they share a history that is unique among Native Americans and Floridians alike and is a story that has continued to unfold from William Bartram's time to the present. With Florahome USA's original post on the Timucua being one of the most viewed to date, it shows the level of fascination people have with the Native American Indian hasn't deminished. It must be remembered however, historical accounts are often skewed in favor of the authors own personal views. It also must be taken into account the times in which those events took place. In the case of the Seminoles of William Bartram's time, they had already seen their way of life changed dramatically by the white man only compounding conflicts already existing before the strangers arrived. Also, with most of us of us scarcely able to imagine life without a cell phone let alone comprehending a Florida considered to be primitive even by the standards of Bartram's day, we need to be careful when judging the acts of those living then when they appear at times to be somewhat brutal. It was a brutal time of war and conquest in a primitive world. The truth is, we can never know without having lived through those times and under those same conditions ourselves how we would have done. All that being said, history still stirs the imagination and gives us a better understanding of our past reminding us that we are all connected to it and are a part of that ongoing story.
Other places to explore in person or on the web:
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
The Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, FL
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
The Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee, FL
Seminole - Wikipedia
The Official Site of the Seminole Tribe
The Official Site of the Miccosukee Tribe
The Official Site of The Bartram Trail Conference, Inc
Further reading on William Bartram and the Florida Indians:
Unconquered People
: Florida's Seminole and Miccosukee Indians by Brent R. Weisman (a major source used in the writing of this post)She Sang Promise
: The Story of Betty Mae Jumper, Seminole Tribal LeaderThe Black Seminoles
: History of a Freedom-Seeking People Art of the Florida Seminole and Miccosukee Indians
William Bartram: Travels and Other Writings
(a highly rated edition containing William Bartram's 18th century eyewitness account of the Florida Seminole Indians) |
| Paynes Prairie (click to enlarge) |
Back to Native American Indians - Florahome, Florida
Also on Florahome USA:
The Florahome, Florida History Page
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