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Seminole Tribe Facts & Worksheets

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The Seminole people belong to the North American tribe that speaks Muskogean language. They are known as the only Native American tribe that did not sign any peace treaty and was involved in two of the most costly civil war in the United States, the Seminole Wars.

Early History

  • In the 18th century, migrants from Georgia moved into the northern region of Florida. They came from the Creek town thus adapting their name from the Creek word simano-li, which means “separatist” or “runaway”. Others believed that it came from the Spanish word cimarron, which means “wild one”.
  • Gradually, Seminole people moved to the southern region of Florida due to the expanding population of Europeans in the United States.
  • In 1817, a series of Seminole wars began. The First Seminole War took place when 3,000 American soldiers invaded northern Florida. Future-president Andrew Jackson led the army. Slaves were captured and brought to eastern Florida.
  • From 1835 – 1842, the Second Seminole War took place. Seminole leaders led the resistance of moving to Oklahoma. Chief Osceola, together with a small band, fought against the American army. Some were forced to move to Oklahoma while others stayed in the deep swamps of Florida.
  • On May 10, 1842, President John Tyler ended the military attacks against the Seminoles. No formal treaty was agreed after 1,500 American casualties and over $20 million in expenditures.
  • The third and last Seminole War happened from 1855 to 1858. Billy Bowlegs led the Seminole Indians but was later on captured and relocated out of Florida.

Depiction of the Second Seminole War

  • After years of fighting, most Seminole Indians were moved west of the Mississippi River, now territory of Oklahoma. In addition, small numbers migrated into the Everglades.

Culture, Tradition, and Politics

  • Traditionally, Seminole men wore breechcloths while women wore wraparound skirts of palmetto. Both men and women wore moccasins on their feet.
  • They obtained food through farming, hunting, and fishing. Crops such as squash, corn, and beans were common while deer, wild turkey, rabbits were hunted.
  • The Seminole Indian culture believed greatly in legends such as the “Men Visit the Sky”, which tells of five men who wanted to see the Great Spirit.
  • Wood and plaster were used to build houses on the ground while those who migrated into the Everglades used stilts three feet above the ground.
  • The most important ceremony in Seminole culture is the Green Corn Dance. They expressed their gratitude to the Great Spirit for providing them food. Many hours were spent in stomp dancing.
  • The Seminole people are well known for their beautiful woodcarvings, baskets, and beadworks.
  • Politically, Seminole leaders who survived the swamps began to meet regularly in a huge oak tree on the Hollywood reservation known as the Council Oak.
  • Today, most Seminole speak English. Very few knew how to use the Miccosukee or Creek native language. The Florida Seminole and Oklahoma Seminole tribes exist today with their own law and government.
  • They were the first Native American tribe to open a casino on Indian land. Other tribes followed creating a huge industry.
  • There were eight Seminole clans namely Deer, Bear, Panther, Snake, Otter, Bird, Big town, and Wind.

Seminole Tribe Worksheets

This bundle contains 11 ready-to-use Seminole Tribe Worksheets that are perfect for students who want to learn more about the Seminole people who belong to the North American tribe that speaks Muskogean language. They are known as the only Native American tribe that did not sign any peace treaty and was involved in two of the most costly civil war in the United States, the Seminole Wars.

Download includes the following worksheets:

  • Seminole Facts
  • Famous Seminoles
  • Mapping the Runaways
  • Seminole Wars
  • Chickee and Canoe
  • Seminole Clans
  • The Council Oak
  • Other Native American Indians
  • Seminole-Florida
  • Seminole Culture
  • Seminoles Today

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Link will appear as Seminole Tribe Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, October 23, 2017

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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