BIG CYPRESS SHOOTOUT

The Big Cypress Seminole Reservation is located in south Hendry County. Besides a terrific Seminole museum and the Billie Swamp Safari, the tribe produces many events throughout the year.  One of those is the Big Cypress Shootout, that re-creates the Seminole’s struggle and sacrifice to remain in their homeland and features authentic weapons, soldier and warrior attire and tactics typical of the Second Seminole War.
The three-day event also includes music, Seminole food, Seminole and pioneer artisans,  tomahawk throws, primitive archery competition, authentic Seminole and soldier camps, venomous snake shows and alligator wrestling.  “Period settlers” from around the country will hew wood, iron and silver crafts and depict trading techniques from the Seminole war era. As the pictures below show, it was a great historical afternoon.

Did you know the Seminoles were the only Indian tribe that didn't sign a peace treaty with the United States?