Beacon of liberty, Angola intrigues Florida historians

[L. Coyote]

Beacon of liberty, Angola intrigues Florida historians
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY - April 13, 2008 - http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080413/NEWS/804130436/1661

BRADENTON — Gen. Andrew Jackson's early 19th century hunt for Angola ended with the Florida settlement's destruction. Documentarian Vickie Oldham is now trying to find remains of the town, the Southeast's last major outpost for free blacks and fugitive slaves.

Since 2002, Oldham has worked to bring the story of Angola to life. A former television reporter in Sarasota, she has recruited historians, archaeologists and educators to produce a documentary, Web site and educational materials about Angola.

But its exact location in the Tampa Bay area remains elusive -- although some promising clues have recently been uncovered.

Historians say finding Angola would give new insight into Florida's role as a safe haven for runaway slaves. It would also highlight the state's violent transition into a bastion of bondage. ....

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