Customer Reviews

Seminole Views: A Postcard Panorama of America's Only Unconquered Tribe

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I was amazed at the many personal insights of members of the tribe themselves. Many bits and pieces of history and tribal stories fleshed out a great blank spot in my understanding of the Seminole people. I continue to find new gems of insight everytime I leaf through the book. Well done!

The proper name for the Native Americans in Florida is Miccosukee. The name 'Seminole' is an English mispronounciation of the Spanish word 'Cimarron.' This Spanish word Cimarron was the term used for the Spanish slaves who had escaped from their so-called masters and went into the interior of Florida. They formed an alliance with the members of the Miccosukee tribes. In some instances, there were intermarriages between the Cimarrons and the Miccosukees. When the United States of America (USA) separated from England, many of the slaves in the southern states (i.e. S. Carolina, Georgia etc)heard about free people of African descent living in the Spanish colony of Florida. A large number of them made their way to Florida. The USA government became frustrated because the Spanish authorities were not really interested in rounding up their runaway slaves and sending them back to the USA. This eventually led to what was called the 'Seminole Wars.' The first military act was while Spain still controlled Florida. The later wars were after Florida became a part of the USA. Read the books The Exiles Of Florida and The Black Seminole Legacy and North American Politics, 1693-1845

This is a great book for anyone interested in the Florida Seminoles. I really enjoyed looking at all the old postcards and the history behind the card. I collect Seminole postcards and Mr. Snelling has done a wonderful job of identifying the subjects. This book has been added to our Library History room.