Black Seminoles (Runaway Slaves) Moved to Indian Territory
The Black Seminoles were former African American slaves who fled from the southeastern United States to the Indian Territory during the 19th century. They were known as "Seminole Freedmen" or "Seminole Negroes" and were recognized as a separate tribe by the US government in 1866.
The Black Seminoles were originally slaves of Seminole Indian tribes in Florida and were allowed to marry and adopt Seminole culture. When the Seminole Wars began in 1835, some of the Black Seminoles fought alongside the Seminole Indians, while others fled to the Bahamas or joined the Creek Indians in Alabama.
In 1849, the US government forced the Seminole and Black Seminole tribes to relocate to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma. The Black Seminoles settled in the Seminole Nation and became successful ranchers and farmers.
The Black Seminoles faced discrimination and segregation from both white settlers and Native American tribes in Indian Territory, but they continued to build their community and culture. They played a significant role in the Civil War by fighting alongside the Union Army and also played a role in the development of the oil industry in Oklahoma.
Today, descendants of the Black Seminoles continue to live in Oklahoma and are recognized as a separate tribe within the Seminole Nation. They have also maintained their distinct culture and traditions, which include the Seminole language, music, and dance.