Seminole Chickee

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The Seminole Chickee was constructed in May of 2009 by James Billie, former Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, as a tribute to the history of Seminoles people in this area and their trade relationship with early settlers and Lighthouse Keepers.

The large Chickee is called a “place to learn something” or an “ah-tah-thi-ki chickee.” This one is made with 3,400 leaves of saw palmetto fronds. They are wrapped and tied onto the horizontal beams during construction and are placed 2-3 inches apart.

The Chickee is an opportunity on the tour to stop and tell the story of Native American Indians and is also used for the monthly children’s story and learning activities. Benches are placed along the inside of the Chickee for this purpose. It is one of the most fragrant and refreshing places on the property.