James M. Gray

Metal Detecting Seminole Indian War Sites James M. Gray

Seminole Indian War Sites were manned by both military and civilians during the three Seminole Indian Wars in the early 1800's and some were later used as camp and fortification sites during the War Between the States; by both Confederate and Union soldiers and are a part of that period of history with many now protected and preserved by civilian and state authorities as well. I was with such sites that James Gray began his years of research in Florida, not only locating many unknown sites, but also documenting and recording many of them with the office of the Division of Archives and History in the State of Florida. Being recognized by Florida state officials allowed the Florida Historical Research Foundation to approach private property owners about suspected fortification sites that might lie on their land. As a result many lost sites were rediscovered, completely mapped and state authorized records filed revealing their location and existence; preserving some for future state parks.