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Three men, garbed in 16th century clothing and gear

Social History

Where political history explores the past through the lens of the State, social history helps us to better understand the interactions of groups of people. St. Augustine, Florida has been a multi-racial, multi-faith city from the beginnings of its history. Browse through the Social History category to explore the people, places, and resources that have shaped St. Augustine to this day.

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A black and white illustration of a cemetery in St. Augustine, Florida. Several obelisks tower above an iron fence, surrounded by scraggly trees. Two coquina pyramids on the left honor US "victims" of the Seminole War.

"The Ancient City" — Harpers Monthly Magazine 1874

Peek into 1870s St. Augustine with this article, which is part fiction / part travel guide.

The ACCORD Civil Rights Museum houses a collection of items and photos from Dr. Martin Luther King's visit to St. Augustine in the 1960s.

ACCORD Freedom Trail

Visit and learn about Civil Rights destinations in St. Augustine

A photograph of the exterior of 102 Martin Luther King Ave, the Excelsior High School. It is a beige building with two stories, surrounded by palm and oak trees.

Excelsior School

The story of the first public high school for Black students in St. Augustine.

The statue of Henry Flagler, located outside the main entrance of Flagler College in St. Augustine.

Henry Flagler

A railroad and oil magnate who laid claim to Florida's east coast.

Seven men dressed in Spanish-era military costumes stand facing the camera. The leftmost five men are Black, depicting residents of Fort Mose — these men hold period accurate rifles, resting their stocks on the Florida grass. The rightmost two men are White and have more complex uniforms than the other five,

Fort Mose — Black Fortress of Freedom

The first destination of the Underground Railroad was here in St. Augustine.

A colored image of Dr. R. B. Hayling, circa 2014. He is an old Black man with white hair and perceptive eyes.

Dr. Robert B. Hayling

Hailed as the 'father' of St. Augustine's Civil Rights Movement, Robert B. Hayling was a dentist, activist, and father. His dental office had the first integrated waiting room in the city.

Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston

Influential author and folklorist whose world travels brought her to St. Augustine.

St. Paul A.M.E. Church

A historic Methodist church with a long story and thriving congregation.

The Stono Rebellion at a Glance

What was the Stono Rebellion? Discover a South Carolina Freedom Struggle