While we know our northern friends may not feel it, in the South, Spring is
here. So we thought we'd share a few of our gardening sites appropriate
for this time of the year. Along with gardening, there's grilling, and getting
ready to diet so that you can fit back into that bathing suit this summer!
Seminole (Creek: Sim-a-no'-le, or Isti simanóle,
'separatist', 'runaway' ).
A Muskhogean tribe of Florida, originally made up of immigrants from the Lower Creek towns on Chattahoochee river, who moved
down into Florida following the destruction of the Apalachee (q. v.) and
other native tribes. They were at first classed with the Lower Creeks, but
began to be known under their present name about 1775. Those still
residing in Florida call themselves Ikaniúksalgi,
peninsula people' (Gatschet).
The Seminole, before the removal of the main body to Indian Territory,
consisted chiefly of descendants of Muscogee (Creeks) and Hitchiti from
the Lower Creek towns, with a considerable number of refugees from the
Upper Creeks after the Creek war, together with remnants of Yamasee and
other conquered tribes, Yuchi, and a large Negro element from runaway
slaves. When Hawkins wrote, in 1799, they had 7 towns, which increased to
20 or more as they overran the peninsula.
While still under Spanish rule the Seminole became involved in hostility
with the United States, particularly in the War of 1812, and again in
1817-18, the latter being known as the first Seminole war. This war was
quelled by Gen. Andrew Jackson, who invaded Florida with a force exceeding
3,000 men, as the result of which Spain ceded the territory to the United
States in 1819. By treaty of Ft Moultrie in 1823, the Seminole ceded most
of their lands, excepting a central reservation; but on account of
pressure from the border population for their complete removal, another
treaty was negotiated at Paynes Landing in 1832, by which they were bound
to remove beyond the Mississippi within 3 years. The treaty was repudiated
by a large proportion of the tribe, who, under the leadership of the
celebrated Osceola, at once prepared for resistance. Thus began
the second Seminole war in 1835, with the killing of Emathla, the
principal signer of the removal treaty, and of Gen. A. R. Thompson, who
had been instrumental in applying pressure to those who opposed the
arrangement. The war lasted nearly 8 years, ending in Aug. 1842, with the
practical expatriation of the tribe
from Florida for the west, but at the cost of the lives of nearly 1,500
American troops and the expenditure of $20,000,000. One incident was the
massacre of Maj. F. L. Dade's command of 100 men, only one man escaping
alive. The Seminole Negroes took an active part throughout the war.
Those removed to Oklahoma were subsequently organized into the "Seminole
Nation," as one of the so-called Five Civilized Tribes. In general
condition and advancement they are about on a level with their neighbors
and kinsmen of the Creek Nation. In common with the other tribes they were
party to the agreement for the opening of their lands to settlement, and
their tribal government came to an end in Mar. 1906. In 1908 they were
reported officially to number 2,138, largely mixed with Negro blood, in
addition to 986 "Seminole freedmen." A refugee band of Seminole, or, more
properly, Seminole Negroes, is also on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande in the neighborhood
of Eagle Pass, Texas.
The Seminole still residing in the s. part of Florida, officially
estimated at 358 in 1900, but reduced to about 275 in 1908, remain nearly
in their original condition. Within the last few years the Government has
taken steps to secure to them a small permanent reservation to include
their principal settlements. In general characteristics they resemble the
Creeks, from whom they have descended. The best account of their present
status is that of MacCauley in the 5th Rep. B. A. E., 1887.
Their towns and bands were:
Ahapopka
Ahosulga
Alachua
Alafiers
Alapaha
Alligator
Alouko
Apukasasocha
Asapalaga
Attapulgas
Beech Creek
Big Cypress Swamp
Big Hammock
Bowlegs' Town
Bucker Woman's Town
Burges Town
Calusahatchee
Capola
Catfish Lake
Chefixico's Old Town
Chetuckota
Chiaha
Chicuchatti
Choconikla
Chohalaboohhulka
Chokoukla
Coe Hadjo's Town
Cohowofooche
Cow Creek
Cuscowilla
Etanie
Etotulga
Fisheating Creek
Fowl Town
Hatchcalamocha
Hiamonee
Hitchapuksassi
Hitchitipusy
Homosassa
John Hicks' Town
Jolee
Lochchiocha
Loksachumpa
McQueen's Village
Miami River
Mikasuki
Mosquito Indians
Mulatto Girl's Town
Negro Town
New Mikasuky
Notasulgar
Ochisialgi
Ochuceulga
Ochupocrassa
Ocilla
Oclackonayahe
Oclawaha
Ohathtokhouchy
Okehumpkee
Oktahatke
Oponays
Owassissas
Payne's Town
Pea Creek Band
Picolata
Pilaklikaha
Pilatka
Phillimees
PinderTown
Red Town
