The Seminole Indians of Florida: With Original Illustrations

by Clay MacCauley

Fifth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; 1883-84; Government Printing Office- Washington 1887; pages 469-532

Genres: History

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1887

About the author

1843-1925

Reviews

[Josh Liller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This may be the only 19th century work about the Seminoles that is neither about the Seminole Wars nor written from a place of advocacy. Despite the prejudices of the time period (which don't seem as strong here as might be expected) and, by the author's own admission, hindered by the language barrier and limited time available to research, this book (originally a report to the Smithsonian) provides a decent anthropological summary of the Seminoles in 1881. This is just over two decades after the end of the Seminole Wars, but also about two decades before South Florida tourism and Everglades drainage brought permanent changes to Seminole life.

In addition to illustrations from the original report, this edition is supplemented by photos of Seminoles in the late 19th century. There is also an annotated census of the Seminoles from 1881 that includes the English names of most of those enumerated, thanks to consultation with tribal members.

Although more a reference than great reading, it provides a fascinating snapshot of the Seminoles during their period of semi-isolation.

[Rob Smith, Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting review of the life, homes and other details of the Seminole indians. MacCauley writes that he is sometimes unsure of how much of the information he is getting from the Seminoles is factual. As time has gone on since the writing of this book, there is much that turned out to be incorrect or suspected such.

It's his observations to note. There he notes well all he saw. Descriptions are thorough. The writing clear. All very insightful of the Seminole indians at the time.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 6 out of 10 points.

[BodhiBokai · Rating 3 out of 5]

What you would expect

Someone giving their first person account of touring southern Florida to assess the state of the Seminole. The writer isn't a hater, but definitely a product of its time. Talks of how many groups there are, geography, clothing, and a bunch of other things.