Thomas Palmer Band
The steamboat "Wm. Gaston" carried the
remnants of Pascofas Oklocknee Seminoles down the coast of Florida towards their
new homes in Indian Territory.
Pascofa was called the "Scourge of Florida" by the Florida Territory newspapers. His warriors had carried on a relentless war against white settlers and U.S. Troops.
Finally, his people weary, starving, and destitute, Pascofa
agreed to meet Col. Hitchcock of the 3rd Infantry on January 9, 1843.
They were given a military salute with cannons as they came in. An elder woman of the band stated o the officers that babies had been put to death
as a means of preventing the capture of the entire group.
The band was placed on the boat and carried out to sea.
Legend states that Pascofa and his band looked silently upon the shores of their
Tears filled their eyes as they began to lose sight of their land, then the wails and cries could be heard by the soldiers on the shore.
The band was taken to Jefferson Barracks, New Orleans.
In Indian Territory this Band joined the Eufaula Band but were led separately by Pascofa who became a respected leader among the Seminoles.
Other noted leaders include Chief John F. Brown the last
Chief before statehood, Alice Davis
First Woman Chief and Tribal Secretary, Thomas Palmer (1897) for whom the band is named.
The Thomas Palmer Band proudly upholds the traditions of the Seminole Nation and is a vital part of the tribal government.
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©2001- Present Linda Simpson