Seminole War Reenactment, Historical and Cultural Displays Highlight the
Big Cypress Shootout

WHAT: Seminole Tribe of Florida will present a reenactment of the Second Seminole War from 1835-1842 at the Big Cypress Shootout at Billie Swamp Safari located between Fort Lauderdale and Naples, on the Big Cypress Reservation just north of I-75 (Alligator Alley) Exit 49.

The battle reenactments honor the Seminole’s struggle and sacrifice to remain in their homeland and will feature authentic weapons, soldier and warrior attire and tactics typical of the Second Seminole War.

The three-day event will also include music, Seminole food, Seminole and pioneer artisans, atlatl and tomahawk throws, authentic Seminole and soldier camps, alligator wrestling and snake shows.  “Period settlers” from around the country will hew wood, iron and silver crafts and depict trading techniques from the Seminole war era.

Musical guests include: Okefenokee Joe, Benjamin Dehart (The Cracker Tenor) and Cowbone.

WHEN: Friday, February 22 through Sunday, February 24, 2008 The battle reenactments will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

WHERE: Billie Swamp Safari, located between Fort Lauderdale and Naples, on the Big Cypress Reservation just north of I-75 (Alligator Alley) Exit 49.

WHO: In the 1830s, the United States was attempting to enforce its policy of Indian removal. The Seminoles were facing the loss of their homeland and their freedom. After broken treaties and failed peace parleys, the Seminoles took up arms against removal. The U.S. Government thought they could quickly overpower the Seminoles and waged the fiercest of all wars ever waged between the U.S. Government and Native Peoples. They burned settlements and captured, killed and scattered many Seminole families. This seven year war cost more than the American Revolution and involved 52,000 soldiers fighting against less than 2,000 warriors. The Seminoles fought with courage, determination and had a unique knowledge of the land. Although many Seminoles were killed or removed to present-day Oklahoma, they were never defeated, and to this day their 3500 descendants are known as “The Unconquered” Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Contact Phone:	Billie Swamp Safari (800) 949-6101, ext. 12125
Admission:	$7 adults, $5 for children
When:	February 22-24, 2008
Where:	At Billie Swamp Safari
Directions:	Take I-75 (alligator Alley) to Exit 49, then north 17 miles.