A Walk in African American Shoes

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While the Nation’s Oldest City is best known for its Spanish heritage and history, African Americans have played a significant role in the story of St. Augustine from its very beginning.

1. Fort Mose Historic State Park

Start where the journey to freedom began. Africans were among the first to explore Florida, arriving with Pedro Menéndez in 1565. At Fort Mose Historic State Park, African Americans established the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in the U.S. in 1738, forming a militia and serving as the northern defense post for St. Augustine. A designated site on the southern route of the Underground Railroad, the park invites visitors to explore its historic grounds, stroll the boardwalk over the marsh to the original settlement site, and experience the story through engaging exhibits at the interactive museum. Be sure to check the schedule for special reenactments, including the Flight to Freedom and the Battle of Bloody Mose, and don't miss the newly opened replica fort, available for Ranger-led tours Thursday through Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

2. ACCORD Freedom Trail

You can learn a lot about the African American experience on Florida’s Historic Coast just by walking along the streets of downtown St. Augustine. Start your journey with a walk through Lincolnville. This is the first community built by ex-slaves and freedmen in the post-Civil War era. Look for 31 historic markers along the ACCORD Freedom Trail identifying various sites significant to the Civil Rights movement that took place in St. Augustine.

3. Andrew Young Crossing

At Andrew Young Crossing, located at the west end of Plaza de la Constitucion in the center of town, you can literally walk in Rev. Andrew Young’s footsteps, as his famous march for civil rights is memorialized in brass. Just ahead, the bronze memorial of the Foot Soldiers, built in remembrance of those who protested peacefully during the turbulent 60’s. Did you know that St. Augustine was the location of the famous Woolworth counter sit-in in 1963? You can see a photo montage of the event on a window at the original location on King Street, now a bank.

4. Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center

The Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center is located in what was once a “colored school” in 1902. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors can view art exhibits and hear oral histories told by locals that offer a rich, immersive experience of the African American journey in the ancient city dating back 455 years. To learn more about Lincolnville and the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center visit Lincolnville Through the Ages.

5. Afternoon Snack

As you walk along MLK Avenue, be sure to stop by The Corner Market for some of its famous beet pastries as you enjoy the artwork and vintage clothing at this quaint and historic location.

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