SW025 Archaeologists Reconcile Discrepancies, Omissions in Withlacoochee Cove Battle Accounts

<p> Graphic Courtesy Historical Marker Data Base, HMDB.org </p> <p> The "big bang" battle that began the Second Seminole War in late 1835 comprised the Seminole ambush of a column of US Soldiers marching along the Fort King Road to relieve that under-manned military outpost. Three big battles followed it, all along the banks of Florida’s Withlacoochee River. Rather than achieve a quick, decisive victory over the Seminole, the Army found itself forced to settle in for a long, hard slog in its removal efforts. Many written accounts survive these battles, but they tell only the Army’s side of the story. And some of these contradict each other.</p> <p>The need to reconcile historical discrepancies -- and account for omissions of Seminole perspectives --  provided an ideal opening for the Gulf Archaeological Research Institute, or GARI, from Crystal River, Florida. GARI dispatched a survey team to assess incongruities in the official record by examining the terrain features in comparison to known locations and surviving artifacts. From these, GARI drew fresh conclusions about how the battles were fought by each side to the conflict. GARI is the only independent, not-for-profit organization focused on preserving both the archaeological and the natural heritage of Florida. Joining us to explain their findings is Sean Norman, GARI’s acting executive director.</p> <p>BACKGROUND: The first of the cove battles featured Brigadier General Duncan Clinch in command. He lead a large force toward the Withlachoochee River from his post at Fort Drane, to the north. He intended to meet Seminole chiefs and compel them to accept removal to the Oklahoma territory by it’s the US government’s self-imposed January 1st deadline in 1836.</p> <p>Rather than conduct a parlay and negotiations, Clinch found himself instead engaged in an intense but inconclusive battle. Some weeks later, Major General Edmund Gaines also sought the Seminole at the Withlacoochee River. He intended to bring them to heel for the annihilation of the Army’s Fort K