Seminole

Seminole, Native North Americans whose language belongs to the Muskogean branch of the Hokan-Siouan linguistic stock (see Native American languages). They separated (their name means "separatist") from the Creek in the early 18th cent. and settled in the former territory of the Apalachee in Florida. They gradually grew in strength, absorbing many runaway black slaves and some members of the Apalachee tribe. While still under Spanish rule, the Seminole became involved in several major confrontations with the United States, particularly in the War of 1812 and again in 1817-18. In the retaliatory expedition of 1817-18, Gen. Andrew Jackson invaded Florida with more than 3,000 men to punish the Seminole. By the Treaty of Paynes Landing (1832), the Seminole were bound to move W of the Mississippi River within three years. Most Seminole, led by Osceola, refused to go and prepared themselves for resistance.

In 1835 began the Seminole War, which proved to be the most costly of the Indian wars in which the United States engaged. Lasting for nearly eight years, it cost the lives of thousands of Seminole and 1,500 U.S. soldiers, as well as at least $30 million. Finally defeated in 1842, the Seminole consented to move to Oklahoma, where they became one of the Five Civilized Tribes. A few Seminole remained isolated in the Everglades. In 1990 there were about 15,500 Seminole in the United States, mostly in Florida and Oklahoma.

North American Indian people living mainly in Florida and Oklahoma, U.S. Their language belongs to the Muskogean language stock. The Seminoles split off from the Creek in the later 18th century and settled in northern Florida, where they were joined by Native American, African, and African American individuals who had escaped slavery in the regions to the north. Their name derives from the Creek word simanó-li, meaning “separatist,” or “runaway.” The Seminoles traditionally lived more by hunting and fishing than by agriculture, constructed shelters of thatched roofs supported by poles, and wore tailored hide clothing decorated with brightly coloured stripes. In an effort to stem colonial encroachment, they fought a succession of wars (see Seminole Wars). Seminole descendants numbered about 27,000 in the early 21st century.

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Seminole is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,890 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 18,226. St. Petersburg College has a campus in the city.

Geography

Seminole is located at (27.838502, -82.784913). It is surrounded by Pinellas County enclaves in all directions. Its closest neighbors are Ridgecrest to the northwest, Largo to the north, Pinellas Park to the east, St. Petersburg to the south, and the Gulf beach communities to the west. Its main arteries are State Road 694 and Alternate U.S. Highway 19. It embraces the lower half of the lower limb of Lake Seminole.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.0 km² (2.7 mi²). 6.4 km² (2.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.6 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (8.82%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 10,890 people, 5,989 households, and 2,701 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,702.3/km² (4,402.1/mi²). There were 7,297 housing units at an average density of 1,140.6/km² (2,949.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.61% White, 0.48% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.25% of the population.

There were 5,989 households out of which 12.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.4% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.9% were non-families. 49.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 33.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.75 and the average family size was 2.48.

In the city the population was spread out with 11.8% under the age of 18, 3.8% from 18 to 24, 19.5% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 43.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 59 years. For every 100 females there were 76.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,179, and the median income for a family was $39,491. Males had a median income of $29,237 versus $25,588 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,951. About 5.1% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Water Tower Controversy

The water tower was painted as shown in the pictures on this page in 2000 by Tom Stovall. In late 2005, council members expressed dissatisfaction with the design, but residents spoke out in its favor, feeling it made Seminole unique and provided a good landmark for giving directions.

Gallery

References

• Pinellas County GIS Map

External links

• City of Seminole official site