Who Are the Seminole Indians?
The Seminole Indians are a tribe of Native American people originally from Florida. They are a relatively newly-formed tribe, developed from the intermingling of escaped African-American slaves, Creek Indians from the state of Georgia, and Muscogees. The tribe’s name is derived from the Mvskoke’ language, and literally means runaway or wild men. Two languages were spoken by native Seminole Indians — Creek and Miskasuki. In 1830, The Indian Removal Act of Andrew Jackson moved the majority of Seminole Indians out of Florida, and to the coast of the Mississippi River. The Treaty of Payne’s Landing promised Seminoles who moved out of Florida power over lands in Oklahoma. Around 500 Indians stayed in Florida and defended their people and lands against government attack.
