The Surprising Origin of Miami-Dade's Name Explained

MAJOR DADE PLAQUE
Ever wonder where the “Dade” in “Miami-Dade” comes from? Here is the origin story. During the Indian Wars of genocide against the indigenous people of this land, the Seminoles refused to surrender. The Seminoles encountered success to the point at which the Federal government sent reinforcements to defeat them in 1835. Major Francis Langhorne Dade commanded these troops. Arrogant and unfamiliar with the landscape, Major Dade led his troops into an ambush. Underestimating the Seminoles, Major Dade had recalled his scouts in order to move faster. All except three perished. His last words before the attack, according to Clarke were “We have now got through all the danger – keep up good heart, and when we get to Fort King, I’ll give you three days for Christmas.”

Not only is it unusual to name a county after a military leader that led his troops into defeat, it also highly unusual to name a battle after the defeated senior commander. The “Battle of Okahumky” or “Battle of Pelaklekaha” would be more appropriate as these were the Seminole names of locations in proximity to the battle.

Accounts of the Dade Battle by Ransom Clarke, Pacheco, and Halpatter Tustenuggee