Osceola

2026 Patrick D. Smith Awrad – Best Novel on Florida History

What would you say about a Native American who admired the U.S. military, then became the Michael Corleone of the Seminoles, seeking justice and revenge?

In 1835, Osceola was a friend of the soldiers stationed in Florida. But after the Indian agent placed him in chains, Osceola became a formidable war-chief when war erupted. As a child, Osceola fled with his family to Florida as Andrew Jackson marched through Alabama during the Creek War. Four years later during the first Seminole War, young Osceola was captured and later released by Jackson’s soldiers.

During the Second Seminole War, slaves from Florida plantations revolted and joined force with the Seminoles, and Osceola fought side by side with John Horse, leader of the so-called Black Seminoles. And despite the war, Osceola maintained a special friendship with the handsome lieutenant, John Graham.

The 19th century artist and adventurer George Catlin befriended Osceola. In this historical novel, it’s through Catlin’s eyes that we learn of Osceola’s life and his extraordinary struggle for freedom.

“Thomas Gallaher combines years of knowledge working with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to tell the story of Osceola, the Seminoles’ most famous leader. The tale also looks at the life of artist George Catlin, whose portrait of Osceola brought him to life for thousands of Americans and made him the best-known Native American of his time.” — John and Mary Missall, The Seminole Wars: America’s Longest Indian Conflict.