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Seminole Indian War Sites
has been included here because Confederate and Union soldiers later
used some as camp and fortification sites during the War Between the
States. Though they are in no way connected to Australia or New
Zealand, they are a part of that period of history and as such many
are now protected and preserved.
It was with such sites
that James Gray began his years of research in Florida, not only
locating many unknown sites, but also documenting and recording many
of them with the office of the Division of Archives and History in
the State of Florida.
Needing credibility with private property
owners on whose land many such sites were found, because many
treasure hunters operated under the guise of preservation for
personal gain, destroying not only history but the property owners
land, he created the Florida Historical Research Foundation,
acquired the support of Florida’s state archaeologists and the
Secretary of State, Mr. Bruce Smathers, who officially authorised
him to use the original Florida State Seal as their logo.
Being recognized by state
officials allowed the foundation to approach property owners, who
could then validate their work and claim of preservation before
allowing a search of their property. As a result many lost sites
were rediscovered, completely mapped and state authorised records
filed revealing their location and existence; preserving some for
future state parks.
Through working closely
with Florida State officials like Mr. Ross Morrell,(head
of the Division of Archives and History), Mrs. Catherine Jones,
(Archaeologist and Master Site File Coordinator), Mr. Henry Baker,
(State Archaeologist), Mr. Rodney Little,
(Florida Historic Preservationist), Mr. Bumps,
(head of the Florida State Archaeological Preservation Laboratory)
and others, the Florida Historical Research Foundation was able to
save a large portion of Florida’s lost history. In addition to the
state having detailed maps and reports on each site found and
recorded, property owners became aware of the importance of sites on
their respective properties and took steps to protect them.
Mr. Gray and foundation
members worked with Mr. Henry Baker, Florida State Archaeologist, on
the Fort Alabama/Fort Foster project, the Fort Brooke project and
others.
The following examples are
but a few of the many sites discovered, worked, mapped and recorded
by Mr. Gray and others.
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