Abstract
During the first decade of the nineteenth century many Americans moved into the Spanish province of West Florida. Some came to establish new homes or to engage in conspiracies against the weak Spanish government. Others came to escape justice or seek asylum from slavery. The province had a strange population made up of Englishmen, Frenchmen, Americans, traders, land speculators, army deserters, fleeing debtors, fugitives from justice, filibusterers, and others of infamous background. Moving into this milieu in 1805 was Philemon Thomas. This native of Virginia and ex-Kentuckian had led an interesting and exciting life. He was born in Orange County, Virginia, February 9, 1763, his family having come over from England shortly before his birth. He died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 17, 1847. Between these dates he was to make notable contributions to the history of three states. Generally neglected today as an historical figure, Thomas deserves a re-hearing if for no other reason than his participation in the West Florida Revolution.
Recommended Citation
Sterkx, Henry Eugene
(1960)
"Philemon Thomas and the West Florida Revolution,"
Florida Historical Quarterly: Vol. 39:
No.
4, Article 7.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/fhq/vol39/iss4/7
