Ceramic Mug 15oz FORT MOSE “Fort Mose—The First Sanctuary of Freedom”

The First Underground Railroad – Before the famous Underground Railroad to the North, enslaved Africans fled southward to Spanish Florida, seeking freedom. Those who reached St. Augustine were granted asylum in exchange for converting to Catholicism and serving in the Spanish militia

The Underground Railroad to Fort Mose was an early escape route for enslaved Africans fleeing British colonies in the late 1600s and early 1700s. Unlike the more famous Underground Railroad that led north, this one led southward to Spanish Florida, where freedom seekers found asylum in St. Augustine.

Key Figures & Groups Who Helped

🔹 Francisco Menéndez – A formerly enslaved African who became the leader of Fort Mose’s free Black militia, defending the settlement against British attacks. 🔹 Spanish Authorities – Spain offered freedom to escaped enslaved people in exchange for conversion to Catholicism and military service. 🔹 Native American Allies – Groups like the Yamasee helped guide escapees through swamps and dense forests, providing shelter and support. 🔹 Black Militia of Fort Mose – Once free, many escapees joined the militia, protecting St. Augustine and ensuring the survival of their community.

🔹 British Invasion (1740) – Fort Mose was destroyed during a British attack, but the free Black residents rebuilt and continued to defend their freedom.

🔹 Spain Cedes Florida (1763) – When Spain gave Florida to Britain, the residents of Fort Mose fled to Cuba rather than risk re-enslavement

This southern Underground Railroad was a bold and dangerous journey, but it led to the first legally recognized free Black settlement in the U.S.—Fort Mose

s