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Indigenous Injustice at Egmont Key
Indigenous Injustice at Egmont Key
This project explores the sociocultural implications of the Indian Removal Act and imprisonment of Native Americans in Egmont Key during the mid-19th century.
Egmont Key is a small barrier island off the coast of Tampa Bay, which is only accessible by boat or ferry. The small island was named by the British after the Earl of Egmont, who at the time was Lord of the Admiralty. Florida became part of the U.S. in 1821, and with the increase in commerce in the Gulf of Mexico, a lighthouse was built on Egmont Key in 1847, but after only 10 years it was so battered by storms that in 1858 it was dismantled and reconstructed further inland, where it still stands today.
Egmont Key also has a vibrant military history. The island was first occupied by Confederate forces during the Civil War, before later becoming a haven for local Union sympathizers. Egmont Key is also home to the remnants of Fort Dade, a Spanish-American War fort. By 1909, Egmont Key supported five military batteries. While these elements of Egmont Key's history are widely known, a darker aspect of its history is only now coming into focus. This website will explore the role Egmont Key played in the removal of Seminole people after President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act.
Indian Removal Act
Indian Removal Act
On May 28th, 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed into law the Indian Removal Act. This act authorized the forced removal of indigenous people from lands east of the Mississippi river to make way for Caucasian settlement in native territory. This act directly led to the mass coerced migration of Native Americans known as the “Trail of Tears.”
Unbeknownst to many, Egmont Key played a major role in the removal of Seminole tribe members from Florida. Egmont Key served as a holding point for Seminoles as they were being transported west. Ships coming from Fort Myers would stop at this small island to refuel before continuing on their journey towards Oklahoma. The official name given to the island during this time was “The Indian Depot at Egmont Key” while Seminoles commonly referred to it at “The Dark Place.” Newspapers often referred to Egmont Key with such terms as prison and stockade. By 1858, Egmont Key was a home to a military-style internment camp holding upwards of 100 Seminoles on the island.
Lives Lost
Lives Lost
Many Seminoles died during their stay at Egmont Key from diseases and even documented cases of suicide. While some remains were scattered across the island with no indication of a burial, researchers have discovered the remains of a mass grave that is now marked with crosses and is located mere feet from the famous lighthouse.
The extent of Seminole death on the island is unknown due to the large amount of erosion the island has experienced in the intervening decades and the lack of markers on sites where they were buried. Members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida have visited Egmont Key to honor the lives of those lost and to uncover their own lost history.
Prominent Seminole Ancestors of Egmont Key
Prominent Seminole Ancestors of Egmont Key
Billy Bowlegs:
Billy Bowlegs:
The face of Seminole Resistance
The face of Seminole Resistance
In the 1850s, Billy Bowlegs, more commonly known in the Seminole tribe by his given name "Holatta Micco," was known to have been a prominent chieftain during the Second and Third Seminole Wars. Consequently, he is considered to be a key figure in the resistance of the Seminole tribe refusing to forfeit their tribal lands to the U.S. Government. When placed under enemy rule by the U.S. government, Billy Bowlegs led his people through many trials and tribulations until they won independence and 2 million acres of land in 1856 after the Second Seminole War.
Unfortunately, prior to the official start of the American Civil War in 1861, conflict sprouting between Bowlegs and local militias invading his plantation territory within Southwest Florida once again prompted skirmishes that would be remembered as Bowlegs' initiation of the Third Seminole War (1855-1858). This last battle saw formal government military action overwhelm Billy Bowlegs and his band of warriors, who were then forced to renounce their land and be temporarily interned on Egmont Key prior to relocation on reservations in Oklahoma under federal regulations by the Indian Removal Act with their fellow tribes-people. After his forced relocation and surviving the treacherous journey along the trail of tears, Bowlegs succumbed to small pox on the reservation.
Polly Parker:
Polly Parker:
Mother of the Modern Seminole Tribe of Florida and Her daring escape
Mother of the Modern Seminole Tribe of Florida and Her daring escape
Polly Parker (also known by her birth name Emateloye) was one of many Seminole tribe members forcibly taken from their homes and brought to Egmont Key. After capture, she and her husband were forcibly made scouts and asked to assist in the capture of fellow Seminoles. However, their loyalty to their people held fast, and they refused. Consequently, she was interned on the island, and present with Billy Bowlegs in 1858.
She and fellow Seminoles were forcibly made to board a vessel known as The Grey Cloud which would transport them via the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi River to the Trail of Tears. However, the vessel made regular stops to refuel along the coast, and Parker was given permission to get materials for medicine while they were docked south of Tallahassee in St. Mark's. Once no longer confined to the ship, she and a small contingent of Seminoles carried out an escape. Though most of the group was re-captured and brought back to The Grey Cloud, Polly along with a half dozen others fled on foot through the Florida wilderness, traveling 400 miles to return to their home in Okeechobee.
Polly Parker would go on to live a long life and had many children, passing on in 1921 at the age of 100. Many of her descendants would carry on her legacy of perseverance and dedication to the tribe, serving as active Seminole community leaders. (See interview part 1, 27:40)
Impact on the Seminole Population in Florida
Impact on the Seminole Population in Florida
The forceful displacement of Native Americans and the events that took place on Egmont Key had a significant impact on the Seminole Tribe population and tribal spirit. The majority of the tribe was forced to the ‘Indian Territory’ that is now known as Oklahoma. There, they formed the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma. The remaining Florida Seminole who were able to evade capture in the swamps of Florida and remain in their native territory established the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Currently, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has around 4,100 members.
Today, Seminole Tribal members are a close-knit community who benefit from standard housing, healthcare, federal education as well as government-issued scholarship grants for tribal students applying to college and the local Ahfachkee Indian School. Additionally, over 325 Seminole tribe members actively participate in multiple government offices, maintaining prominent positions and actively participating in the running of the local community. Through such established connections Seminole-run businesses also benefit from support provided via the formal board of Tribal members and Tribal council.
Today, the current leadership of the Seminole Tribe of Florida is based out of Hollywood, Florida. The modern Tribal Council manages the tribal Law enforcement offices as well as additional historical, agricultural, and tourism- themed business exploits. Under the council, The Seminole Tribe of Florida's Department of Legal Services provides legal counsel and utilities management for the reservation. As an independent group, the Tribe is a tax-exempt association; however tribal members are legal American citizens and liable to standard federal tax legislation for citizens.
The tribe has not forgotten about their history on Egmont Key. In April of 2018, a group of 33 descendants of Seminole Tribe members took a trip to Egmont Key in order to better understand their connection to this small island. While on the island, members honored the lives of their fellow Seminoles who were tragically taken from their homes. While Seminole people have made a point to remember their ties to Egmont they haven't let it define their future.
Research Implications
Research Implications
Research is continuing at Egmont Key to uncover more information about the history of the island and specifically the Seminole Tribe members' lives while captive. The Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) has led research on the island including metal detection which resulted in the discovery of historic artifacts. The THPO has future plans of excavating areas where the Seminoles are believed to have been imprisoned and/or interred.
Efforts are also being made to preserve Egmont Key through digitization. The Applied Heritage and Sustainability Research at Egmont Key is a collaboration between the Tribal Historic Preservation Office, USF Heritage Research Lab, USF Access 3D Lab, and the USF Patel College of Global Sustainability. Dr. Laura Harrison is the Director of USF College of Arts and Sciences Access 3D Lab and is a leader in this preservation project. Harrison has led graduate students from USF to use 3D scanners to digitize the topography of the island and provide better access to its story for generations to come.
David Scheidecker is the Research Coordinator for THPO and is passionate about his work for the Seminole Tribe. He has worked alongside Dr. Harrison in this collaboration project to bring about more awareness to this history. He shares his perspective and knowledge of Egmont Key and the Seminole Tribe as well as the limitations he faces conducting research on the island.
In Part 1 of the interview with David Scheidecker, expounds on his personal and educational backgrounds, as well as his relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. He also further details the lost story of the indigenous peoples at Egmont Key during this time period. (34:36)
In Part 2 of the interview, David Scheidecker provides more details about his research along with current misconceptions about Egmont Key. He also expounds on the importance of spreading public awareness and current threats to the island and ongoing research there. (22:15)
Part 1 Question TimeSTamps
Part 1 Question TimeSTamps
00:10 Tell us about yourself.
- What is your name?
- Can you tell us a bit about your educational background?
- How did you come to work for the Seminole Tribe?
- What is your current job title there?
- What does all of that entail?
- How does that relate to the educational work you were doing prior?
05:50 How did you first become interested in Egmont Key? What drew you to do research about Egmont Key?
- How long have you been researching Egmont Key?
- What kind of work are you doing at Egmont Key-what does your job there entail?
10:40 From your perspective, can you tell us the lost story of indigenous people at Egmont Key during this time period?
Part 2 Question TimeSTamps
Part 2 Question TimeSTamps
00:00 What has been the reaction of the members of the Seminole tribe to your research, as they learn more about what happened to their ancestors at Egmont Key?
05:00 What are some limitations or potential threats to your research?
- Those you have already encountered versus those you potentially forsee
13:01 What is the biggest misconception about Egmont Key that needs to be uncovered to the general public?
- What are some things you have discovered in your research that you believe should be public knowledge about Egmont Key and the treatment of indigenous people?
18:20 Why should people care about what happened at Egmont Key? In your view, what is the value of learning this Native American history in our contemporary society?
- Aside from recognizing crimes against indigenous people, what part of that lost part of history coming to light applies to society today.
Egmont Key A Seminole Story
Egmont Key A Seminole Story
A publication created by The Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) and David Scheidecker concerning indigenous injustice on Egmont Key regarding the internment of natives along with some history of the Seminole Tribe of Florida is available online and in print.
What efforts, aside from current research at USF, are being done to recognize this important local history today?
What efforts, aside from current research at USF, are being done to recognize this important local history today?
Google Maps aerial view of the Egmont Key.
Egmont Key Today
Egmont Key Today
Currently, Egmont Key is maintained and operated by the Florida Park Service and United States Coast Guard. After becoming a national wildlife refuge in 1974 and then a state park in 1989 under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wild-Life Service, the island has become an oasis for native species and vegetation. Located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Egmont is home to endangered native gopher tortoises, nesting seabirds and serves as a refuge for many birds during migration season, the island stands as a relaxing destination for boaters and beach lovers.
However, many physical traces of the island's history have remained, standing the test of time, and can still be found by those who search for them. However, due to its secluded and exposed nature as a barrier island shrinking with time, Egmont Key poses a challenge in regard to historical preservation and maintenance. The current threats of paramount importance are erosion and rising sea levels.
Pictured here is the Egmonts Key Gaurd House. Originally built in 1911, the structure standing today was renovated to house the island's historcal musem and education center.
View of Egmont's southeastern side from Tampa Bay by boat.
The Egmont Key Alliance
The Egmont Key Alliance
Also invested in preserving the beauty and history of Egmont Key is the Egmont Key Alliance. Founded in 1991 by an eclectic group of individuals passionate about lighthouses, nature conservation, military history and preserving the island as an integral beachgoer's paradise in the local community, the Alliance was created as a Citizen Support Organization under the Florida Park Service. This dedicated group aims to "Restore, Preserve and Protect" the natural and historical beauty of Egmont Key for generations to come.
How can I visit Egmont?
How can I visit Egmont?
Operated by Hubbard's Marina, the official Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto State Park is a great way to visit this historical island and nature preserve year-round for those without a boat of their own. Additionally, they offer a snorkeling tours for guests to view historical ruins of the island's fort that has been claimed by the ocean through storms, rising sea levels and soil erosion over time. Whether you come to relax, view the natural beauty and wildlife the island has to offer, or learn about the rich history of Egmont Key, we hope your time there is memorable.
Hubbard's Marina official Egmont Key Ferry.
Aerial views of Egmont via drone from Stephen Carroll
On-Site Photos Collected from Research Trip
Just as the island has adamantly withstood the test of time, remaining as a beacon hope for those in rough waters, so shall its somber history allow us to learn from past transgressions and look toward a future with understanding of a new promise to be better.
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