Research Symposium

BIO

I am a freshman at Florida State University majoring in International Affairs. I am originally from Columbia, Missouri and am in the Presidential Scholars program here at FSU. Since arriving on campus I have become involved with UROP, Student Government Association, ForwardFSU, Honors, Presidential Scholar's Service Board, Delta Sigma Phi, and Honors Legal Scholars. I plan on attending law school after finishing my undergraduate degree

Florida’s Forgotten Founder: The Life and Impact of Antonio Proctor

Abstract

Throughout the course of my research, I discovered the richly diverse history of Tallahassee's early founders. From princes, to the descendants of George Washington, to American presidents, to Florida’s Free Black citizens, Tallahassee was a hotspot for unique perspectives. In my research I initially discovered the surface level history of Florida’s founding that many Floridians are quite familiar with. The dashing tale of William Simmons meeting John Lee Williams at a beautiful Cascade about halfway between St. Augustine and Pensacola and the romantic legacy of Achille Murat meeting his love Catherine Gray helped to illustratively set the story in my head and gave me inspiration for where to focus my efforts. As I focused my research into Tallahassee’s most prominent Free Black, I discovered an impact from this precedent breaking figure that I would have never predicted. Antonio Proctor worked as a guide and translator on many important expeditions organized by William P. DuVal, in order to establish, legitimize, and protect the Territory of Florida. This included several critical treaty signings as well as more informal meetings such as the confrontation between DuVal and the great Seminole chief Neamathla. Every week I discover more about this historical legend, but one thing is clear: Proctor’s little-studied presence in Territorial Tallahassee made a direct impact on our history.

Keywords: History, Diversity, African-American Studies