Francis Dade (politician)

Francis Dade (c. 1793 – December 28, 1835) was a Major in the United States Army during the Second Seminole War. He is most known for his command of a detachment of soldiers that was ambushed and almost entirely wiped out by Seminole warriors in what became known as the Dade Massacre.

Early Life and Military Career:

Details of Dade's early life are scarce. He entered the United States Army as a third lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Infantry Regiment on March 12, 1813. He was promoted to second lieutenant on October 23, 1813, and to first lieutenant on May 1, 1817. He attained the rank of captain on July 31, 1819, and brevet major on July 31, 1829. He eventually achieved the rank of major.

The Dade Massacre:

In December 1835, Dade led a detachment of approximately 110 soldiers from Fort Brooke (present-day Tampa, Florida) to Fort King (present-day Ocala, Florida) to reinforce the fort in anticipation of conflict with the Seminoles. On December 28, 1835, near present-day Bushnell, Florida, Dade's command was ambushed by a large force of Seminoles led by chiefs Alligator, Jumper, and Micanopy. The Seminoles unleashed a devastating initial volley, followed by sustained attacks. The majority of Dade's command, including Dade himself, was killed in the ambush. Only a handful of soldiers survived.

Legacy:

The Dade Massacre was a pivotal event that significantly escalated the Second Seminole War. The incident shocked the American public and fueled calls for a more aggressive response to the Seminoles. Dade County, Florida (present-day Miami-Dade County) was named in his honor in 1836, despite the fact that he never set foot in the area. The name has remained, though in 1997 a movement sought to rename the county due to Dade's association with the forced removal of Native Americans. The community of Dade City, Florida, also bears his name. His death and the massacre serve as a symbol of the early stages of the protracted and brutal conflict with the Seminole people.