Fort Mose

Fort Mose Historic State Park is the site of the first free African-American settlement in the U.S.

Behind the conquistador statues on the north end of St. Augustine
15 Fort Mose Trail, St Augustine, FL, 32084
  • (904) 823-2232

Hours of Operation

Come In, We're Open!
Sun - Sat:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Grounds open daily 9am-5m; Visitor Center open Thursday - Monday only.

  • Fort Mose in St. Augustine is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African American settlement. While the fort itself no longer stands, the site it stood on still feels full of the groundbreaking history that was made there. In 1738, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered the settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mosa, or Fort Mose. This was the very first of its kind, because it was built specifically for those people fleeing slavery from the English colonies in the Carolinas.

    The fort has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1994, and in 2009 the National Park Service titled Fort Mose as a precursor site of the National Underground Railroad Network. The exciting history of this site fascinates visitors from all around. Guests can stroll along the scenic boardwalk and take in the landscape of where the fort once stood. A Visitor Center and museum are available for guests to explore and learn more about the history of Fort Mose.

    The park grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the Visitor Center is open only Thursday through Monday. Call (904) 823-2232 for more details.


    Upcoming Events

    Musician / Event Title Date Time
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, Apr. 3rd 9:00 am to 11:30 am
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, May. 1st 9:00 am to 11:30 am
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, Jun. 5th 9:00 am to 11:30 am
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, Aug. 7th 9:00 am to 11:30 am
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, Sep. 4th 9:00 am to 11:30 am
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, Oct. 2nd 9:00 am to 11:30 am
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, Nov. 6th 9:00 am to 11:30 am
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, Dec. 4th 9:00 am to 11:30 am
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, Jan. 1st 9:00 am to 11:30 am
    First Saturday: Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Sat, Feb. 5th 9:00 am to 11:30 am

  • Comments or Questions?

    Chris on June 27, 2019 - 3:14pm

    5
    Thank you for the history lesson; I had no idea this place existed and to learn about the emancipation of African slaves prior to the Emancipation Proclamation, drafted and signed by Lincoln, is fascinating ! I hope to visit one day... Thank you :)

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    Madelyn on June 4, 2019 - 5:42am

    5
    This interesting and valuable piece of history was only found about 50 years ago, almost by accident. Fort Mose is the first free black community in the US as well as St Augustine. It is the first piece of authentic history you will see from North US1, on the left, just before you get to the city gates. They have an interactive Museum and information about peaceful living among the Spanish, Indians and Africans of the mid 1700's. Plans are in the makings to build a replica of the fort and community that was once there. The cost is only $2.00 to get in. Don't miss this little know piece of St. Augustine history.

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    Kristy on January 2, 2016 - 12:28pm

    4
    It is very small, but peaceful walking through the grounds..we saw ample birds in the estuary and two eagles with a baby in their nest. There is a small museum, which is informative.

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