An Artifact of the Second Seminole War

This unusual artifact was actually used by Native American warriors during an attack on a frontier family in Gadsden County, Florida, during the Second Seminole War.

A "lightard" or lightwood pine knot, it was used as a war club by Creek warriors that had taken refuge in Florida following the Creek War of 1836-1837.

Their fight against the whites continued after their flight to Florida and is remembered in that state as part of the Second Seminole War (1835-1842).

In 1840, a group of warriors attacked the McLane cabin near Telogia Creek in Gadsden County, using this pine knot to kill several members of the family.

If you would like to learn more about this incident of the Second Seminole War, please visit http://gadsdencountyhistory.blogspot.com/ where you can read three excerpts on the McLane Massacre from my new book, The Early History of Gadsden County.

New Blog: History of Gadsden County, Florida

In association with the release of my latest book, The Early History of Gadsden County, I have started a new page on the history of Gadsden County, Florida.

You can visit at http://gadsdencountyhistory.blogspot.com.

The new page focuses on the history, historic sites, culture, folklore and people of Gadsden County.

If you aren't familiar with this area, it is located between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee Rivers just west of Tallahassee. Named for James Gadsden, a 19th century soldier and diplomat, Gadsden County has a rich history dating back to the Spanish era and has been the scene of a wide variety of fascinating historical events.

I'm launching the new page by excerpting a chapter from the book on the McLane Massacre, an incident of the Second Seminole War.

I hope you will drop by and, as always, feel free to comment or ask questions.