Research Description:

Fishermen, Smugglers, Indians and Soldiers: The Fishing Rancos of Charlotte Harbor

Between 1763 and 1836 Cuban fishermen, Seminoles, and perhaps remnants of Florida's native populations, inhabited the Spanish-Cuban fishing ranchos in southwest Florida. Often living in extended, inter-racial families, the women cultivated gardens and the men caught, dried and salted mullet, and smoked roe for the Havana market. Primary and secondary sources utilized in Key West and at the P.K. Yonge Library to examine various facets of the rancho lifestyle, paint a picture of unrest, fear, and violence as the Spanish flag was replaced by the American. The seasonal rhythm of the Spanish fishing industry was disrupted by America's Indian policies, taxes, and fear of foreigners. Ranchos, like that of Jose Caldez on Useppa Island, became the center of controversy: charges were brought against Jose for avoiding customs; Fluensio Caldez was charged with murder, and customs inspectors investigated rumors that alcohol and arms were being smuggled to ranchos which were thought to support Seminole attempts to regain government-promised land. Hostilities culminated in a murderous 1836 Indian raid and the U.S. Navy's transport of fleeing inhabitants to Tampa Bay where the fishermen were forcibly separated from their Indian wives and children, who were removed to Oklahoma.