SW048 Gunpowder Warrior Discusses Seminole Fighters’ Perspectives at Living History Events

A Seminole going by the name Gunpowder Warrior spoke with this host along the memorial trail at Dade Battlefield Park in Bushnell, Florida. We engaged in a short colloquy about the reason for the battle, Seminole perceptions during the battle, and where the Seminole went after their victory. Visiting groups on military staff rides often encounter Gunpowder Warrior as they trek along the hallowed ground that we call the Dade Battlefield trail. He stands as a stark reminder that there was another side to the battle, a side different from that of the soldiers who fought and perished here. I was aided in our discussion by translator Steve Creamer. Steve has portrayed Seminole at various events and venues around Florida for many decades. When Gunpowder Warrior and I completed our talk, Steve Creamer stayed behind to discuss how he portrays the Seminole fighter, how he has also portrayed a Missouri volunteer militiaman, and what the public can learn from witnessing battle reenactments and engaging with the re-enactors, such as Steve, who portray Seminole and Soldier at Florida parks. 

Participants in miltiary staff rides have often encountered Gunpowder Warrior (Steve Creamer) along the trail
at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park.

Steve Creamer and other non-Seminole Tribe members portray Seminole Warriors at living history events.

Living historians such as Steve Creamer often reenact Second Seminole War battles side by side with members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, such as Pedro Zepeda. 

Host Patrick Swan is a board member with the Seminole Wars Foundation. He is a combat veteran and of the U.S. Army, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Kosovo, and at the Pentagon after 9/11. A military historian, he holds masters degrees in Public History, Communication, and Homeland Security, and is a graduate of the US Army War College with an advanced degree in strategic studies. This podcast is recorded at the homestead of the Seminole Wars Foundation in Bushnell, Florida. 

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