The annual reenactment of the Second Seminole War at the Big Cypress Shootout at Billie Swamp Safari in Florida is set for Feb. 25-26.

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

The three-day event also includes:



• live music

• Seminole food

• Seminole and pioneer artisans

• tomahawk throws

• primitive archery competition

• authentic Seminole and soldier camps

• venomous snake shows

• Seminole Stomp Dancing, and

• alligator wrestling.



Period settlers from around the country will hew wood, iron and silver crafts and depict trading techniques from the Seminole war era.


Special guests include: Okefenokee Joe, Benjamin Dehart (The Cracker Tenor) and Tim Charron.


The battle reenactments will take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.


Entrance to the reenactments is $9 adults, $6 children (cash only) or tickets online at www.bcshootout.com.


In the 1830’s, the United States was attempting to enforce its policy of Indian removal and the Seminoles were facing the loss of their homeland and their freedom.


After broken treaties and failed peace parley’s, the Seminoles took up arms against the 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 and 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 their 3,500 descendants are known to this day as The Unconquered Seminole of Tribe of Florida.


The Big Cypress Indian Reservation is an Indian reservation of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.


Located in the Florida Everglades of southern Florida, it is the largest of the five Seminole reservations in the state.


The tourist attractions within the reservation is the Billie Swamp Safari, include Swamp Buggy Eco-Tours and Airboat Rides through 2200 acres of Everglades with abundant native and exotic wildlife.


There are also snake and alligator and swamp critter shows and the chance to buy souvenirs and authentic Seminole arts and crafts.


A rustic camping village includes native-style chickees for overnight stays


Billie Swamp Safari is located between Fort Lauderdale and Naples.


Take I-75 (Alligator Alley) to Exit 49 (Snake Road) then 19 miles.



For more information online: www.semtribe.com

This story was published on 18 Feb 2012.