Publications

The Foundation is a leading publisher of works related to the Seminole Wars. Our books include reprints of important out-of-print books, original works by Foundation members, and volumes based on diaries and letters of people who served in the wars. Our Pamphlet Series covers subjects that are noteworthy but not book-length in nature, and include booklets aimed at a general audience and also at serious scholars.

Preservation

The Seminole Wars spanned a forty-year period and covered the entire state, from Pensacola to the Keys. During that period, hundreds of forts and camps were built by the army and numerous battles were fought. Few of these sites remain, having fallen victim to development and agricultural use. The Foundation came into being in 1992 to preserve the Camp Izard Battlefield near the Withlacoochee River. Through our efforts, the site is now part of the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve, managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Another important site from the Second Seminole war is Fort Dade, also along the Withlacoochee River, north of Dade City. When it was discovered that a significant portion of the site was for sale and subject to development, the Foundation stepped forward and purchased the property, preventing its destruction and preserving it for future study.

One of the most significant sites associated with the Seminole Wars is Fort King, home to the Indian Agency that gave birth to the city of Ocala. The site had long been a private residence but came up for sale within the past decade. Members of the Foundation worked closely with city and county government to help arrange a purchase of the property, which will soon become a local park.

Archaeological Studies

Although many Seminole War era sites have disappeared due to development, there are also a large number of sites that are on public or agricultural land and are still available for archaeological study. Working closely with Gulf Archaeology Research Institute, Inc. the Foundation has helped fund and members have participated in excavations at Camp Izard, Fort Dade, Fort King, and forts located near the town of Micanopy.

In addition, the exact location of many places where short lived camps or forts existed or where smaller battles were fought have been lost to common knowledge. The Foundation acts as a clearinghouse for information on these sites, helping to precisely pinpoint their locations, so that future excavations can take place.

Public Outreach

One of the Seminole War Foundation’s primary missions is to educate the public about these tragic conflicts. To that end, Foundation members give talks to civic groups and at schools, participate in battle reenactments, and network with other organizations interested in Florida’s past, Native American history, and military history. If your group would like to learn more about the Seminole Wars, please contact us.