The Seminole are most closely related to the Creek. In fact, they shared the same culture until the Seminole fled from Georgia to Northern Florida during late 18th century. Under the Creek, they felt hampered and desired freedom. Thus, they fled with hopes of independence to Florida, owned by Spain. There, they encountered the Apalachee and Timucua tribes, both of which spoke the Mikasuki Language (Seminole Indians 290). Hence, they were named the Seminole, meaning °runaway± in Creek dialect. Negro and Indian slaves joined them in their quest for freedom, as they fled during the power struggles between American colonists and Native Americans (Seminole 626). They eventuall

The Florida landscape consisted of varying textures: dense forests, rocky mountains, and fertile valleys. The more powerful tribes tended to control the auspicious, profitable, fertile valleys while the weaker tribes controlled the inauspicious forests or mountains (http://www.seminoletribe.com/). The valleys¯ great fertility is what amounted to its greatness. It allowed for the agriculture of essential vegetables including beans, maize, and squash in great quantities. Fortunately, the Seminoles were able to obtain fertile land. This, however, was not their main source of nourishment. They hunted, gathered natural fruits, and fished alongside streams. There was a great abundance of game in their territory for all their needs. (http://www.seminoletribe.com/)

There were several battles to establish control in Florida, in the territory of the Seminole, by conflicting European nations. In 1564, the French established a settlement in Florida, which was soon destroyed by Spanish forces. Such battles between the French, Spanish, and English raged on proceeding this event, each nation looking to expand their territories. In 1565, the Spanish founded a permanent European settlement in the southeast named St. Augustine. This territory also attracted the English, so Sir Francis Drake commanded an English force to attack St. Augustine in 1586. Unfortunately, he failed to penetrate the Spanish army, but the English were successful in establishing Jamestown, Virginia. (Garbarino 34) Native American alliances were scattered, for different tribes sided with different nations.

y obtained complete freedom, but they still retained many customs of their original culture.

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Approximate Word count = 1428
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)