While we were camping at St Augustin RV Restort in Saint Augustine, one of awesome Facebook followers, Erick Williams invited us to visit Fort Mose Historic State Park. We had no idea what Fort Mose was about but got up the next day and looked up the address and decided to visit Fort Mose. We were surprised by what we discovered, as neither of us had been taught this lesson in school. The entry fee is only $2 and there is free parking, covered picnic areas and a walk to the freedom trail.

American history hides a remarkable place that is often overlooked in grand narratives of the country's past. Just north of St. Augustine, Florida, Fort Mose is a monument to African resistance and courage during an era of unimaginable oppression. It was Fort Mose that was the first legal free African settlement in what would become the United States.

Florida was under Spanish control when Fort Mose was built in the early 18th century. In 1738, the Spanish governor, Manuel de Montiano, established Fort Mose as a fortified village, granting freedom to escaped slaves who reached its protective walls. These freed individuals, known as "Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose" or simply "Mose," formed the nucleus of a vibrant community.

A Place of Freedom

Fort Mose became a beacon of hope for enslaved Africans seeking emancipation. Word of the fort's existence spread throughout the Southern colonies, inspiring many to risk their lives in search of liberty. Once within the confines of Fort Mose, they were offered protection, sustenance, and the opportunity to lead free lives. The inhabitants of Fort Mose, composed of people from diverse African backgrounds, developed a self-sustaining community, engaging in farming, fishing, and trade.

Catholicism

Catholicism at Fort Mose played a vital role in the spiritual and cultural lives of the African people who sought freedom and refuge there. As the first legally sanctioned free black settlement in colonial America

Catholic rituals, such as Mass and sacraments, formed the foundation of their religious practices.

A Strategic Military Outpost

While providing refuge for escaped slaves was a compassionate act, Fort Mose also held significant military value for the Spanish. Situated just a few miles north of St. Augustine, it served as a strategic defense against British incursions from South Carolina. The British viewed Fort Mose and its inhabitants as a threat and attempted several failed assaults to dismantle the settlement. The fort's very existence symbolized a defiance of the institution of slavery and posed a direct challenge to the British colonial powers.

The Battle of Fort Mose

In 1740, during the War of Jenkins' Ear, Fort Mose faced its most significant test. British forces, led by General James Oglethorpe, launched an attack on St. Augustine to capture Fort Mose and destroy the settlement. However, the residents of Fort Mose, along with their Spanish allies, successfully defended the fort, inflicting heavy casualties on the British forces. The battle marked a turning point in the struggle against slavery and demonstrated the strength and determination of the free African community.

The Legacy of Fort Mose:

Despite its historical significance, Fort Mose faded into obscurity as the years passed. With the transfer of Florida to British control in 1763, the fort lost its purpose and was abandoned. The story of Fort Mose remained hidden for centuries until archaeologists rediscovered the site in the 1980s. Since then, efforts have been made to preserve and commemorate this vital piece of history. In 1994, Fort Mose was designated a National Historic Landmark, and today, a visitor center stands at the site, educating visitors about the fort's legacy and the African diaspora's struggle for freedom.

Fort Mose stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, representing the indomitable spirit of those who fought against the chains of slavery.

We highly encourage you to visit another side of history just outside of downtown Saint Augustine, FL.

A special thank you to Erick for inviting us to learn about our history at Fort Mose! We wish we would have gotten to connect with Erick when we left he messaged us that he had left for a meeting and is the groundskeeper there and is a Fulltime RVer.  

Keep up the great work Erick and thank you so much for being a part of our journey!