The Story of Fort Mose
![Fort Mose](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/FORT_MOSE-v1555351854.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a3e6b5149a281e0edacfe6647601ee92 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/FORT_MOSE-v1555351854.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3fc4cd7ffcd2dfe5bc6aa62b37b2a222 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/FORT_MOSE-v1555351854.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=bb45aade7e20bd49f83a00de6c6ae6e1 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/FORT_MOSE-v1555351854.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=48b2cb524bfbd5a256a60d6bce09983f 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/FORT_MOSE-v1555351854.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=bf0cfb0ad8afe9be4d96b4dcd12a56b5 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/FORT_MOSE-v1555351854.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=de767b69ce7c86e12431ae0cd2a9fc99 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/FORT_MOSE-v1555351854.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=c5faee28266f088bfca9f9049c3964af 1920w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/FORT_MOSE-v1555351854.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=639e89f635003abacd1ee3afe55fdace 2560w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/FORT_MOSE-v1555351854.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=862bb724ddd25926b78cddad2b94acb0 3325w)
The story of freedom for many began in St. Augustine. For African Americans, the stories are as deep as the trails are long.
Historic Fort Mose
Some pottery, buttons, trinkets and rusty tools are just some of the artifacts that remain from the settlement that was once Fort Mose. Yet these small items tell a much bigger story of the people who lived together and fought for freedom in the early years of the nation. It was here where, by 1738, more than 100 enslaved Africans escaped the British colonies in Georgia and South Carolina. These courageous people risked it all heading southward, on foot, through swamps and dense forests, seeking assistance along the way from Native American, creating the first Underground Railroad. And it lead directly to what is today a National Historic landmark, Fort Mose Historic State Park.
Fort Mose became the site of the first legally sanctioned free African community in the U.S. The Africans who survived the arduous 300-mile journey south were granted asylum by the Spanish in exchange for conversion to Catholicism and a term of military service in defense of the fortified town named Gracia Real de Santa Teresa. And while the original Fort Mose has been swallowed by marsh, visitors can still view the land where it once stood and where archeological digs are still being conducted to retrieve what is left of the settlement.
History Museum
The museum at the park offers a glimpse into this world with its collection of artifacts and interactive displays that tell the story of the first freedom seekers that arrived in 1687, a group that included eight men, two women and a three-year-old nursing child. Visitors will learn how these early African settlers were given land to build their homes, farm and raise families as free men, women and children.
Fort Mose Events
Fort Mose holds several exciting events throughout the year for those interested in learning more about this early settlement. Please check with Fort Mose Historic State Park to confirm their schedule of events.
- First Saturdays of every month - Militia Muster and Training. Members of the Fort Mose Militia offer visitors the opportunity to participate in the children's militia training, using wooden toy muskets and authentic uniform accessories
- February - Flight to Freedom. Each year in mid-February the Flight to Freedom event recreates the 17th-century experience of the hundreds of slaves who traveled in search of freedom, featuring several living history interpreters portraying the various characters who would have impacted a freedom seeker's journey to Spanish Florida.
- March - Founders Day: The Founding of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose. Witness the processions, pageantry, ceremony, and cannon salutes surrounding the official founding of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or ‘Fort Mose’, in 1738. This marks the anniversary of the historic event that established Fort Mose as the first legally sanctioned free Black community in North America.
- June - Battle of Bloody Mose. This annual reenactment of the June 26, 1740, Battle of Bloody Mose provides visitors with an exciting look at the pivotal battle between the British under the command of Georgia’s James Oglethorpe and the Spanish militia, composed of former British slaves who had been granted their freedom by the Spanish.
Explore More Black History
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The Story of Lincolnville
Founded in 1866 by former slaves, the Lincolnville Historic District is St. Augustine’s most prominent historically black neighborhood.
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African-American History by the Sea on Florida’s Historic Coast
Historic Butler Beach offers a glimpse at African-American history and American race relations.
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Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
Explore the rich history of the black experience through the many exhibits housed in the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
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Black History Month in St. Augustine
Today, black history is everywhere in St. Augustine – from the downtown Plaza de la Constitucion and the streets of…
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Fort Mose: The Nation’s First Community of Freed Slaves
Early Slaves’ Flight to Freedom Ended Near St. Augustine
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A Walk in African American Shoes
While the Nation’s Oldest City is best known for its Spanish heritage and history, African Americans have played a significant…
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Black History in St. Augustine
Enjoy our Multi-Cultural Heritage
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Explore Black History on Florida’s Historic Coast: Immerse Yourself with Our New App
Florida's Historic Coast, in partnership with Visit St. Augustine, debuts enhanced Black History App, providing an enriched exploration experience.
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