"On occasion of ceremony however there are certain peculiarities of costume which decorate the heads of the Chiefs. These are worn differently by different individuals. Coa-Hadjo wore his on the front part of his head and so did most of the other chiefs I saw, with certain modifications, but Osceola was peculiar for wearing his always on the opposite side and hanging off to the rear, as I have drawn them."

From "A Narrative of the Early Days and Remembrances of Osceola Nikkanochee, Prince of Econchatti, Written by his Guardian," by Dr. Andrew Welch, 1841. Before 1835 Dr. Welch lived along the St. Johns River near Jacksonville, and describes one of his frequent visitors.

"This warrior, named Yaha-Ematkla-Chupka (leading Wolf), was a Sub-Chief, about thirty years of years; he usually wore a sort of frock, trimmed at the edges with a border of white cotton, confined to his body by a broad girdle [breechcloth] handsomely ornamented with beads, in which was conspicuously seen a terrific-looking Saphka or scalping-knife -- its handle was curiously ornamented; in front of him was suspended a beautifully-beaded Itcha-y-sucha or pouch, in which he carried his flints, balls, tobacco, and other little useful articles; -- at his left side hung his carved powder-horn, and on his shoulder was placed his rifle. His neck was encircled by several strings of beads and silver crescents -- from his ears hung minute sea shells. His head-dress was of green cloth, the lower part of which was thickly studded with beads, and on the left side was gracefully placed several eagle feathers -- his nether extremities [legs] were enveloped in leather buskins [buckskins], and his feet shrouded in moccasins."

Fort Pierce was established by Major B.K. Pierce during the Second Seminole War. Major Pierce was also brother of future President Franklin Pierce. The fort became a major port and launching point for campaigns against the Seminoles in south Florida. Several posts in the interior of the state were closed down after Fort Pierce was established, because it was easier to send supplies here by ship instead of over land. It also became a major post during the Third Seminole War.

There is a small county park on the western side of the Indian River on Indian River Drive (hwy. 707) to commemorate the fort that this town is named after. There is not much here except a historical marker. There is an ancient temple mound in the park which served as an observation post during the 2nd Seminole War.

The park was once in a disgusting state of neglect, but I was told that the county cleaned up the park to promote local tourism.  Checking out the county web page, I found no mention of the park.

St. Lucie County Historical Museum:

This historical museum covers the local history, especially the history of Fort Pierce. There is a display of the Second Seminole War and Fort Pierce, and a reconstructed Seminole village display inside. The museum has held many historical events and living history programs over the years.

Small admission fee; open Tuesday to Sunday.

Return to the Chapter VIII contents page.

Return to the main page.

(c) 1998, 2002, 2003 Chris Kimball
Note: None of this material can be reproduced without written permission from the author.