Just outside of St. Augustine, Florida lies one of the most important historical sites in America. The Fort Mose Historical Society is the very first free community of former slaves. Having been founded in 1783 and called, “Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose” or Fort Mose, is a special place and worthy of remembrance. Read on for more information about Fort Mose Historic State Park in St Augustine Florida
The History of Fort Mose Historic State Park
Well over a century before the Emancipation Proclamation was established, slaves from the British colonies followed the original “Underground Railroad” not north, but south instead toward the Spanish colony in Florida. It was here where they found their freedom and in so doing, gladly declared their allegiance to the King of Spain as they joined the Catholic Church in large numbers.
Established by Colonial Spanish Florida’s Governor Manuel Montiano, Fort Mose provided a much needed sanctuary to Africans who were fighting for freedom from the English Colony of Carolina. There were approximately 100 Africans who lived at Fort Mose in St Augustine Florida. They came together to create a community of people with African, Spanish, Native American and English cultures and backgrounds. It was legally sanctioned by the Spanish Government making it the very first free African settlement to legally exist within the United States.
Events at Fort Mose in St Augustine Florida
Lots of events take place at the Fort Mose Historical Society including monthly society meetings, the “Flight to Freedom: Public Day” which recreates the experience of the slaves who traveled to Fort Mose, the Annual Commemoration of the Founding of Fort Mose including lectures and ceremonies, the Fort Mose Historical Society Golf Tournament, and more.
Membership
The Fort Mose Historical Society in St Augustine Florida was established with the intention of providing support for the Fort Mose State Park. This is done through the help of many volunteers as well as through donations. Memberships are available as a way for volunteers to come together in an effort of preservation, fund raising, events, historic reenacting, maintenance and more. Contact us today for more information about Fort Mose Historic State Park.
Photo By Ebyabe – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3981806
