Ceramic Mug 15oz (Fort Mose)

Fort Mose, located just north of St. Augustine, Florida, was the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States12. It was established in 1738 by the governor of Spanish Florida, Manuel de Montiano.

The significance of Fort Mose to Black people during that time was immense. It represented a beacon of hope and freedom for those escaping enslavement from the British colonies12. The Spanish government offered asylum to those who reached St. Augustine, granting them freedom in exchange for conversion to Catholicism and, for men, a term of military service12. This unique offer led to the creation of the first ‘underground railroad.

By 1738, more than 100 freedom seekers had achieved asylum and were living in Fort Mose12. Many of these individuals were skilled workers, including blacksmiths, carpenters, cattlemen, boatmen, and farmers2. The fort was led by Captain Francisco Menéndez, a formerly enslaved African.

Fort Mose played a crucial role during the war between England and Spain in 1740. Despite being outnumbered, the diverse population of blacks, Indians, and whites pulled together to repel the English invasion force.

When Spain ceded all of La Florida to England in 1763, the citizens of Fort Mose faced the threat of enslavement once again. They abandoned the fort and sought safety in Spanish Cuba.

Today, Fort Mose is recognized as a significant local, national, and international historic landmark1. It provides important evidence that Black American colonial history was much more than slavery and oppression45. The legacy of Fort Mose continues to inspire many today, reminding us of the courage and resilience of those who fought for their freedom.