Slavery in Florida: Territorial Days to Emancipation by Larry E. Rivers - Book Review

Florida is a place for odd history, and Florida history plays an important roll in regard to slavery. Slaves existed in Florida, as well as the rest of the south; though Florida's past in regard to slavery was different; due to varying factors.

In the book Slavery in Florida: Territorial Days to Emancipation, author Larry E. Rivers tells the fascinating history of Florida's slaves; from the early times of Spanish territorial occupation of Florida in the 1500s, to the statehood period of 1845. He chronicles this time period up to the late 1860's, and slave rebellion and soldiering in the Civil War of enslaved blacks.

One can read how the slaves were treated by the Spaniards, as opposed to the Anglo Saxon whites, and how some may have had more freedom within the bond of slavery under the Spaniards, by mixing in with the Seminole Indians and forming relationships with the Seminoles. During the second Seminole Indian War, 1835-1842, African slaves and Seminoles rebelled together. There were also free Africans in this state at different time periods; this being more of a rarity.

What is most interesting about this book is the factual, first-person accounts. Former slaves were interviewed and the author takes examples on record from the time period that the interviews occurred. Within the fascinating history of rebellion and circumstance, the author weaves a timetable throughout, giving the reader a realistic glimpse into an important part of Florida's slave past from beginning to end.

For example, first-person accounts on record at the time were from bond slaves; those who may have experienced more of an extended family life than other slave families outside the state. Readers are taken back to a time in history unimaginable by today's standards. The voices from the past come alive again to depict history from personal experience of the Florida slave; uniquely diverse, yet thoroughly oppressive and dehumanizing.

As atrocious as slavery was, and still is to this day, the history of slaves in Florida remains fascinating because of the varying factors in regard to Spaniards and their impact on Florida history and the slave trade in general, the Seminole Indians, the differences between the Florida slaves and other southern state slaves, and the fighting spirit on both fronts.