Osceola: Passion for Freedom

2026 PATRICK D. SMITH AWARD -- 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 revenge and justice?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 during the Second Seminole War.Slaves from Florida plantations revolted and joined forces 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 Lt. 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."Tom 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 into 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. Read more