In 1774, while coasting past a Seminole settlement on the riverfront of what is now Palatka, William Bartram wrote that there were 8 to 10 habitations facing the river, with some of the youth naked up to their hips in the water fishing with rods and lines, while others, younger, were amusing themselves by shooting frogs with bows and arrows. As he approached, the little children ran away, but the stouter youth stood their ground, smiled, called to him, and were civil and appeared happy in their situation.