By Joe Knetsch

Seminole Wars Foundation, Inc., 2008

For nearly three decades, Dr. Joe Knetsch has been one of the leading authorities on Florida’s three Seminole Wars. Over the years, his articles have been published in many of the state’s leading historical publications and in journals as varied as “The Journal of America’s Military Past” and “Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal.” Finding these important works, or even knowing they exist, has often been difficult.

Now, in this one volume, The Seminole Wars Foundation has gathered many of Dr. Knetsch’s articles on the Second Seminole War in one convenient place. The articles cover a wide range of topics, from showing how the cattle industry helped bring on the war, to examining how hurricanes and tropical storms affected its conduct.

In this authoritative book we learn how Floridians coped with the war, from St. Augustine to Tampa, to Tallahassee. We also learn how the soldiers fought the war in remote places like Charlotte Harbor, the Everglades, and the Cove of the Withlacoochee.

We also meet some of the more interesting players in the conflict, from those who played smaller parts, like Benjamin Putnam and Sam Heintzelman, to major figures like Thomas Jesup and William Worth.

With extensive endnotes and a bibliography that is a valuable resource by itself, “Fear and Anxiety on the Florida Frontier” will be a treasured addition to the library of anyone interested in Florida history and in the story of the Seminole Wars.