Battle of Bloody Mose 2023

On June 24, 2023, reenactors from Fort Mose Historical Society and other local militia will re-create a battle that shifted the tides of Florida's history.

One early morning in June of 1740, Spanish and British forces clashed in St. Augustine when British General James Oglethorpe from Savannah launches an attack on the capitol of La Florida. Visitors will witness firsthand how Governor Manuel de Montiano, the people of Garcia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose (Fort Mose), and the citizens of St. Augustine all became players in the international theater. White Europeans, African-descended people, and indigenous Floridians were involved in this struggle. With other Spanish forts in the area having been captured, Fort Mose and the Castillo de San Marcos are the last defenses of Saint Augustine. The British are making plans to overtake the Castillo. Time is of the essence — the stakes couldn’t be higher! When the smoke clears, who will control St. Augustine? 

Fort Mose Historic State Park opens at 8:00 a.m. Free Shuttle service from 200 Sebastian View starts at 8:30 a.m. The Battle of Bloody Mose event starts at 10:00 a.m. with an opening ceremony. The first battle reenactment will occur at 11:00 a.m. and the second battle reenactment will occur at 1:00 p.m. The event will end with a closing ceremony at 2:00 p.m. Other activities throughout the day include a Women of Mose station, which will present the role of African-descended women in colonial Florida.

This event is weather-sensitive. Please monitor this site frequently to receive event updates.

Admission: The event and access to the park grounds are free. Donations and Membership enrollment in Fort Mose Historical Society are greatly appreciated. Children under 6 are always free. There is a $2.00 fee to enter the Visitor's Center.

When: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023. The opening ceremony of the event is at 10:00 a.m., and the two Battle re-enactments are at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The event ends with a closing ceremony at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Fort Mose Historic State Park is located just north of the historic district, at 15 Fort Mose Trail St. Augustine, FL 32084.

Parking Info: To attend this event, please park at the Health Department Parking Lot (200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084). A shuttle will take you to the event from this parking lot, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. Tipping is appreciated.

Participants: The Fort Mose Historical Society appreciates the support and participation of its partners, including the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Garrison, and the reenactment groups who serve as "opposing forces."

Call (904) 823-2232 or visit here for more information.

History of the Battle of Bloody Mose: This battle was a part of the larger conflict between Spain and Great Britain, who were vying for control of la Florida. The British were attempting to take the Castillo de San Marcos, and already occupied Fort Mose. An English militia consisting mostly of farmers seeking their runaway slaves occupied Fort Mose. Two days later, Mose's men returned with some Spaniards and native allies to reclaim their fort. They ambushed the sleeping intruders at four o'clock in the morning. By the end of the attack, the fort was burned and the English survivors returned home to tell about "Bloody Moosa." The rest of Oglethorpe's troops continued to assault St. Augustine from the harbor, but the Mose ambush turned the tide. The citizens of St. Augustine stood their ground from the Castillo de San Marcos.