Castillo by Candlelight: The Story of Fort Mose

On Saturday, February 24, 2024, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host Castillo by Candlelight: The Mose Story. This evening event is produced in partnership with the Fort Mose Historical Society and the Florida Park Service. The guided tours begin at 6:30 and will depart every 15 minutes. The last tour will start at 7:45 p.m.

Volunteers will reenact the stories of Fort Mose, the first legally sanctioned free African-American settlement in the United States. Attendees will hear the perspectives of Freedom Seekers making their way to Fort Mose, and interact with those they meet along their journeys — some who hope to help them along to freedom, and others who may hope to return them to their owners in northern English colonies. Governor Montiano will also be portrayed, and attendees will learn of his reasons for establishing the free African-American settlement and how Fort Mose played a vital role in turning the tide of the 1740 British siege on St. Augustine.

During this after-dark Castillo event, visitors will have the chance to explore the Castillo de San Marcos by candlelight. The rangers, volunteers, and stewards for the Castillo de San Marcos will be in attendance to share their passion for the nation's oldest masonry fortification and the National Parks Service.

Programs will last approximately 40 minutes and will depart from the ticket booth every 15 minutes from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Non-refundable tickets will be available two weeks before the event at the Castillo de San Marcos box office or by telephone at (904) 829-6506 ext 233.

Admission: $15.00 for adults (ages 16 and up), $5.00 for children (ages 15 and under). Space is limited, and tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more about the tickets, go here.

When: The 40-minute tours will depart every 15 minutes from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Where: The Castillo de San Marcos is located at 1 S. Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine, Florida 32084.