Primary History Labs Template: Grade 2
Name: ______Date: ______
Essential Question: Why does Florida’s flag include a symbol of the Seminoles?
Primary and/or Secondary Sources / Main Idea and Details / How does this source answer the essential question?Source 1:
Source 2:
Source 1
Florida’s Flag
Source 1
Florida’s Flag and the Seminoles
You probably know about Florida’s state flag. The red cross, white background and round seal make up the flag that belongs to our state. In the center, the Great Seal of the State of Florida includes symbols for our state. The sun is one important symbol because it represents hope for a bright future. Also, Florida’s nickname is the Sunshine State. What other symbols appear inside the seal?
Another symbol is the woman scattering flowers. Why is this symbol used? It shows that Florida’s has a rich cultural history or past. She represents the Seminoles, a group of people who are part of Florida’s history. The Seminoles are one of the Native Americans tribes that lived in the Southeast Woodlands of the United States.
Since the 1800s, the name “Seminoles” has been used for all of the native people living in Florida. They did not want to be ruled by the Europeans that came to America. They fought to remain free. The state flag shows the importance of the Seminoles in Florida’s history through the symbol of the Seminole woman.
Source 2
The Seminole Tribe of Florida Flag
Source 2
The Flag of the Seminole Tribe of Florida
Florida’s native people, the Seminoles, have had their own flag since 1966. This Native American group or tribe has a long history living on the land that today is known as Florida. Over time, they have fought for their freedom. Today, they have their own government led by the Tribal Council and the Board of Directors.
What do the colors of this flag represent? The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s flag has four colors – white, black, red and yellow. Some believe that the colors represent four different human races - white for Europeans, black for Africans, yellow for Asians and red for the Seminoles. Others say that the four colors represent the directions of north, south, east and west.
The Seminole flag has a seal in its center. There is a picture of a fire and of a chickee with its roof covered with palm leaves. These pictures represent the leaders or tribal council. Both Florida’s flag and the Seminole Tribe’s flag remind us that the Seminoles are part of Florida’s past, present and future.
1