Ceramic Mug11oz 15oz “From Bondage to Brotherhood—Fort Mose Lives On

Fort Mose, located in St. Augustine, Florida, was the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States. Established in 1738 by the Spanish governor Manuel de Montiano, it became a sanctuary for escaped enslaved Africans fleeing British colonies.

How Did Escaped Slaves Find Fort Mose?

• Many enslaved Africans fled southward from British-controlled territories, particularly from the Carolinas.
• They navigated dense forests and swamps, often receiving aid from Native American communities.
• Spain offered asylum to those who converted to Catholicism and pledged loyalty to the Spanish crown.
• By 1687, the first group of freedom seekers arrived in St. Augustine, and by 1738, Fort Mose was officially established.

What Happened to Fort Mose?

• Fort Mose thrived as a military outpost, protecting Spanish Florida from British attacks.
• In 1763, Spain ceded Florida to Britain, forcing the residents of Fort Mose to flee to Cuba to avoid re-enslavement.
• Over time, the fort was lost to the marshlands, but archaeological efforts in the 1980s uncovered its remains.
• Today, Fort Mose Historic State Park preserves its legacy, recognizing its role in Black history and resistance3.

Fort Mose’s story is one of resilience, courage, and freedom