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MORE ON THE
SEMINOLE INDIAN WARS
by Toni C. Collins
January 29, 2018          

JAN 29 LCHS Fort FanningThe Levy County Historical Society will present the second in a three-part series on the Seminole Indian Wars, also known as the Florida War.  Part two, GENERAL WALKER ARMISTEAD’S WAR WITH THE SEMINOLE INDIANS IN LEVY COUNTY  will provide visitors with a glimpse of the  2nd Seminole Indian War in Levy County.  Re-enactor and author, Christopher Kimball, will present the history of the little-known general who relieved the more well-known General Zachary Taylor.          

On the 6th of May 1840 when General Walker Keith Armistead took command of the troops the Florida War was no nearer a conclusion than the previous year.  The strength of the army was 3,403 non-commissioned officers and privates and 241 commissioned officers.  The number of sick totaled 564 non-commissioned officers and privates and seven commissioned officers.  Also, there was a party of twelve Seminole and Mickasukie Indians who assisted the army in obtaining interviews with the Indians.           

Although Armistead spent most of his time at Fort King located at present day Ocala, Marion County, he traveled to Fort No. 4 at the Cedar Keys, Fort Clinch on the Withlacoochee River, and Fort Fanning on the Suwannee River.           

The U.S. Congress was harassed by the repeated and loud complaints of the citizens of the territory and requested that the war be prosecuted with vigor.    In addition, the seven-year war was a drain on the U.S. Treasury.  Meanwhile the Indians eluded and baffled their pursuers and after striking would scatter in groups of two or three carrying their captured booty to the council-ground.  There the Indians would gather to celebrate their achievements by dances, feasts, and games.          

The presentation will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2018 in the Club House of the Cedar Key RV Resort, 11980 SW Shiloh Road, Sumner, FL.  For more information and directions, please visit www.levycountyhistoricalsociety.com or call (352) 490-5636. 

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