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Hollywood Youth Conference Visits Historical Sites
“Looking Back at the Seminole Trail”
ORLANDO — Members of the Hollywood Youth Conference journeyed back in time, visiting the historic grounds of Fort King, Castillo de San Marcos, and the infamous Dade Battlefield. "Looking Back at the Seminole Trail" offered Seminoles a look into their distinguished past.

From July 7 through 11, Children and adults learned about the brave warriors who refused to relinquish their land, their homes, and their way of life. The Seminoles fought back against the U.S. Army and never signed a treaty, which is why the Seminoles are known as "The Unconquered."

On Tuesday July 8, Chairman Mitchell Cypress, President Moses B. Osceola, Hollywood Council Representative Max B. Osceola, and Hollywood Board Representative David DeHass spoke to everyone in attendance. They stressed the importance of the Youth Conference and wanted each and everyone to get something out of it.

"As a youth, we didn't get much of a chance to see all these historic sites. We only read about them. You all have the opportunity to see history," said Mitchell Cypress.
Moses Osceola stated, "The staff has planned some great things for you this week. Be sure to learn as much as you can."

Max Osceola added, "Last year the Hollywood Youth Conference emphasized education. This year, you're going to learn about famous battlefields and great warriors. Even though we were outgunned and outmanned, we fought smarter and won."

David DeHass said, "Absorb all the knowledge you can. This is a very important experience for all the kids here."

The "Journey Back" was emotional and historic. It was an opportunity for children to learn about their culture and history. It was a chance to understand all that the tribe has fought for, and the brilliant leaders who sought freedom.

The "Journey Back" began at the Dade Battlefield State Historic Site, located in Bushnell, Florida. Three busloads of children, parents, and staff members traveled to the sleepy town of Bushnell, Florida. The site was surrounded by towering live oaks; the moss dangling from lengthy branches, reminiscent of the Antebellum South.

On December 28th, 1835, Seminole warriors, lead by Micanopy, Alligator, and Jumper, attacked Major Francis Dade's group of 108 soldiers, killing all but three. The three-acre site is significant because it marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). It would be the longest, bloodiest, and most costly Indian War in United States history, costing 20 million dollars and 1,500 U.S. lives.

Children and adults heard the stories about the famous battle from both Park Manager Chuck Wicks and from Seminoles Billy Cypress and Bobby Henry. This gave everyone a different perspective of the event.

Over 70 children and nearly 100 adults were split into two groups. The older children and adults first listened intently to Billy Cypress and Bobby Henry. The younger children and parents listened to Park Ranger Chuck Wicks. He demonstrated the proper technique of loading and firing a rifle. The children covered their ears as the loud explosion of the antique gun went off.

The children were shown other weapons used during battle and the heavy wool uniforms worn by the soldiers. Next, they saw the type of food (rations) the soldiers ate. Often, soldiers munched on, or really gnawed on, a solid round cracker nicknamed "teeth dullers." There were artifacts, exhibits, demonstrations and a replica of the log barricade erected by Dade's command to mark the military road and battlefield.

After the group had checked out the museum and walked the paths of past battles, everyone got a chance to enjoy lunch under the much appreciated shade of the big trees. After lunch, it was off to Fort King.

Barbara Roberts, who is the Park Manager at the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, stated, "This is the first time the Seminole Tribe had taken a formal tour of the site."

She added, "The Dade Battlefield was established in 1922 and is listed as a Natural Historic Landmark. This is very significant because there are only 1,200 of these types of sites in the whole United States."

Roberts said the importance of what happened here cannot be understated and sincerely hopes that more Seminoles will take a keen interest in preserving the site. "I was extremely pleased that Holly Tiger wanted to plan a trip here. It's something we won't forget," said Roberts.

Next on the itinerary was Fort King, located in Ocala, Florida, about an hour north of the Dade Battlefield. In April 1835, Wiley Thompson, an Indian agent, dictated a new treaty with the Seminoles, forcing their removal to Oklahoma. Several chiefs declined to sign and deal with white officials. This site is where Osceola allegedly slashed the treaty with his knife.

On December 28, 1835, Osceola and several warriors awaited General Wiley Thompson outside the fort and shot him. This site is currently in the process of becoming an important historical site. It doesn't look like much, but the history is significant.

On Thursday, everyone headed for the buses and it was on to Castillo de San Marcos, located in St. Augustine, Florida. It is the oldest European fort built in the United States, taking over 20 years to complete.

The two-hour trek is where Osceola, under a false flag of truce, attended a peace council at Fort Augustine in 1837. Despite the flag of truce, he was captured and incarcerated. He was later transferred to Fort Moultrie, South Carolina, where he died on January 20, 1838. His death made front page news around the world and he was buried with full military honors.

Before the children began "Looking Back at the Seminole Trail," each was given an assignment. In a special notebook, prior to visiting each site, children made predictions on what they would see, answering questions such as: When and where did this event take place? What happened at the event? And more.

The children answered the questions as best they could. After visiting each site, the children filled in the facts of each historical event. Videos were also provided to help with the assignment.

Thommy Doud, Disabilities Coordinator for the Preschool Department, assisted the children on their writing assignments throughout the conference.

He said, "Here we are in Orlando, full of parks, rides, etc., but the children were intent on completing their writing assignments and working with their parents. I was impressed with what they wrote. When we visited the battle sites, they paid close attention to Bobby Henry and the park ranger, who spoke about the historic battles."
"The children really put their hearts and minds into their assignments, even the younger kids. It was great seeing both children and their parents working together. I think the parents got as much out of the trip, or even more, than the children," said Doud.
Other events that took place included discussions on maintaining the Seminole way of life, story telling, Seminole beadwork, a fitness program, and the creation of a very large papier mache alligator.

Guest speakers like Bobby Henry, Herbert Jim, and Victor Billie spoke about the importance of family and tradition.

Henry, who spoke in both Miccosukee and English said, "It's important to talk to your parents and grandparents because family is everything. If we're not careful, our traditions will be lost."

Herbert Jim, who works for the Language Department on the Hollywood Reservation, spoke about how with modern housing, people are more distant. "When we lived in chickees, you could see your neighbors. You could go over and say hello, to do woodcarving or patchwork."

Herbert also spoke passionately about the importance of storytelling. "Our history and legends are spoken verbally and passed down from generation to generation. These stories keep families together. We need to continue these traditions or the knowledge will be lost forever."

Victor Billie, an Independent Native American living on the Immokalee Reservation, spoke exclusively in Miccosukee about how people looked up to each other. "We followed our traditions, rules and regulations. I learned so much from my elders," said Billie.

Henry Sheldon, a consulting engineer and avid Florida historian, offered everyone an informative presentation about the Seminole people, the historic wars, and the great warrior, Osceola.

Throughout the conference, there were arts and crafts for children and adults to enjoy.
In what was later dubbed "The Alligator Room", children assembled a nearly eight-foot papier mache alligator. The many talented artists all got a chance to tape, papier mache and then paint the friendly reptile. The only problem is that the papier mache gator needs a cool name.

Any child who worked on the gator may drop off name suggestions at the Language Department in the DSO Building or call Michael Kelly at the Seminole Tribune at (954) 966-6300 ext 1267. We're not sure where he'll end up, but is should be somewhere at the Dorothy Scott Osceola (DSO) Building.

Closing remarks
President Moses B. Osceola thanked the committee for such a well-organized conference and hoped everyone who attended got something out of it.
William Osceola, Trail Liaison for the Seminole Tribe said, "I hope you all learned something these last few days. We're getting in touch with our past and making progress."

Suzanne Davis, Allied Health Program Manager, praised both adults and children who participated in the early morning walk program. These dedicated individuals braved the early morning dew, walking the boundaries of the hotel.
Both children and parents firmly grasped the importance of the 2003 Hollywood Youth Conference. They walked along the famous battle sites, heard the truth about great Seminole leaders and the battles they won. More and more, the children are understanding their history and the need to learn their culture.

Holly Tiger and Jo Motlow North were instrumental in preparing such a meaningful, well-organized, structured, and focused Youth Conference. They have both set the standard for future youth conferences. It was extremely educational, emotional, and exhilarating.

Said Jo North, "We really wanted to do something special for the children. I think they realized how important this trip really was to them."

"When I first approached the Youth Conference Committee about visiting historic Seminole battlefields, they were excited about their children learning their history and culture," said Holly Tiger.

She added, "When we had our staff meetings and discussed visiting the battle sites, the emotions really came out. I felt so proud and vindicated as a Seminole. We fought smarter and had better weapons. I later spoke with the parents who told me they learned a lot too. I feel good about that," said Holly.

"Both Jo North and I would like to thank all the staff, parents, guest speakers, volunteers, and Tribal Officials, who were instrumental in the success of our Youth Conference," said Holly.

I would like to personally thank both Holly and Jo for allowing me to participate as a staff member and to better understand the Seminole history and culture. The entire staff of the Hollywood Youth Conference performed like professionals. It was a pleasure to be associated with you all. Let's do it again next year!