Micanopy

Micanopy (c. 1780 – January 2, 1849), also known as Micco-Nuppe, Michenopah, Miccanopa, Mico-an-opa and Sint-chakkee ("pond frequenter", as he was known prior to accession), was the leading chief of the Seminoles who led the tribe during the Second Seminole War.

Biography

His name was derived from the Hitchiti "miko" (chief), and "naba" (above), and consequently meaning "high chief" or the like. Micanopy was also known as Hulbutta Hajo (or "Crazy Alligator").

Although little is known of his early life, Micanopy was born near present-day St. Augustine, Florida, sometime around 1780. He succeeded Bolek as hereditary principal chief of the Seminole following his death in 1819; Micanopy soon began acquiring large amounts of land and cattle. As was common practice among elite Seminole, he hired more than 100 fugitive slaves to work his estates during the early nineteenth century. He encouraged intermarriage between the Seminole and blacks. Some of their descendants gained influence as an elite among tribal councils (including several war chiefs).