Fort Smith in Sebastian County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Seminole Nation
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2015
1. Seminole Nation Marker
The Seminole people originated in Florida from the mixing of many indigenous groups throughout the southeast. Encroachment by white settlers and slave-hunters onto tribal territory started the Seminole wars in 1817. Sporadic warfare continued until 1858. These were the most expensive wars for the U.S. government against any Indian tribe.
The U.S. government’s war against the Seminole ultimately failed. The Indian Removal Act was never fully implemented and no peace treaty was ever signed with the tribe. Today, the 12,500 members of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and the 3,000 members of the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes in Florida successfully continue their lives and traditions.
The Seminole departed Florida in chains and shackles, forced to leave their personal possessions behind. For their harrowing journey to Indian Territory, the U.S. government put condemned ships and barges back into service and often provided contaminated food and water.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Muscogee (Creek) Nation (here, next to this marker); Choctaw Nation (here, next to this marker); Chickasaw Nation (a few steps from this marker); Cherokee Nation (a few steps from this marker); Request Denied (within shouting distance of this marker); Abandoned and Forgotten (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Osage Nation (about 300 feet away); Establishing Fort Smith (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Smith.
More about this marker. A Trail of Tears National Historic Trail interpretive site.
Also see . . . Trail of Tears. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on March 19, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Marker detail: Chief Hulbutta Micco
Chief Hulbutta Micco (Billy Bowlegs), meaning Alligator King, was the last Seminole chief removed from Florida. In 1852, he told President Millard Fillmore:
"I love my home, yes, even if it were a small place with a stump upon it, I would wish to stay there."
"I love my home, yes, even if it were a small place with a stump upon it, I would wish to stay there."
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2015
3. Seminole Nation Marker
Arkansas River in background
via Florida Memory, 1830
4. "Sorrows of the Seminoles - Banished from Florida"
19th-century engraving depicting the deportation of the Seminoles from Florida. State Library and Archives of Florida
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 241 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
