Everyone deals with adversity in their lives at one time or another. Overcoming adversity is a difficult task, but can be rewarding if overcome. Thus, is the case with the Seminole Indians. US armed forces tried to capture or kill the tribe for the purpose of trying to exterminate the Indians from their newly found homeland in Florida. Through numerous battles the tribe dwindled to nearly 300 members, but still continued to fight. The 300 strong Indians endured and persisted through the battles and have set the stage for the 2,000 or so Seminole Indians that now live in Florida. The struggles the Seminoles went through led them to refer to themselves as the "Unconquered People." The conflicts and trials endured by the Seminole Indians are some of the most dramatic and spectacular stories in Florida's history.

The name Seminole actually comes from the Spanish word "cimarron," meaning "wild men." The name was given to the Seminoles not because they were wild and rambunctious, but rather because they were runaways from the South Georgian Creek Tribe who fled to Florida. The purpose behind this move was the belief that in Florida they would be free from the dominance of

Today over 2,000 Seminoles are living on 6 reservation in the state. In a quest to become more economically independent the Seminoles branched off into a number of different industries. "Tourism and bingo profits pay for the infrastructure and schools on their reservations while citrus groves and cattle have replaced early twentieth century trade in animal hides and crafts as the tribes primary revenue source." (Seminoles of Florida History) These industries have helped the Seminoles to begin to share more fully in the state's prosperity and to strive toward receiving the same level of services afforded to other citizens. "Self -reliance and successful adjustments to changing conditions are hallmarks of Florida's Indians." ( Milanich 186) Along with making money the Seminoles have also sought after some non-profit endeavors. The Seminoles tour schools to educate children of the rich Seminole Indian past while stressing the importance of the preservation of nature, especially the once homeland of the Seminoles, the everglades.

For the majority of the 1700's the Seminole Indians lived relatively peacefully and were prosperous, but around the turn of the century the Seminoles started to encounter trouble. Since Florida was relatively undeveloped more and more white settlers came to Florida in search of more land. The surge of settlers caused many conflicts between the Seminoles and settlers. "Settlers wanted the Indian's land and their former slaves which had found refuge among the Indians back." ( Harris ) This and many other conflicts finally, in 1817, led to the first of three Seminole wars. Andrew Jackson led American troops into the north Florida settlements of the Seminoles and burned the villages and captured the Spanish towns of St. Marks and Pensacola. " Unfortunately for the Seminoles Spain ceded Florida to the US in 1819 and gave Americans waiting to settle the lush state an opportunity."( behere ) With this onslaught of settlers and the military barrage from the US the Seminoles were pressured to move to a reservation in the

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Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)