St. Augustine, Florida: Fort Mose Historic State Park: Park entrance. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Guests are welcome to participate in the Battle of Bloody Mose Commemoration Anniversary at Fort Mose Historic State Park in St Augustine on Saturday June 23rd from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm - Don’t miss one of St Augustine’s most exciting reenactments take place!
History of Fort Mose
Fort Mose is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. In 1738, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered the settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or Fort Mose for short, as a settlement for those fleeing slavery from the English colonies in the Carolinas. Over the next 25 years, Fort Mose and Spanish Saint Augustine became a sanctuary for Africans seeking liberation from the wrath of English slavery.
St. Augustine, Florida: Fort Mose Historic State Park: Historic marker (second side). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Fort Mose in St Augustine has been recognized for its national significance in commemorating the history of the United States. In 1994 the site was designated as a National Historic Landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009 the National Park Service named Fort Mose as a precursor site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Although there are no remains of the earth and wooden structures, visitors can still view the land where the settlement once stood and stroll down the boardwalk to imagine life at Fort Mose in the 18th century.
The slaves from Great Britain’s territory fled to Spain’s land for freedom. The Spanish took them in as long as they became Catholic and served as militia for the Spanish.
Fort Mose became the first freed slave colony here in St Augustine. African Americans came down the Atlantic coast to reside in this Spanish settlement. This flight of slaves to Florida was not welcomed by the English colonists who believed their economy could not survive without slave labor.
In September of 1739 war erupted between Spain and Great Britain. The governor and founder of the British colony of Georgia, General James Ogelthorpe, then decided that it was time to march on St. Augustine in May of 1740. The British first came to Fort Mose and the inhabitants tried to defend their small outpost, but it was decided that everyone would retreat to St. Augustine for safety. The British then took over Fort Mose.
The following month armed forces were sent by Oglethorpe to stop Spaniards from looking for food and horses outside the city. Oglethorpe, had brought in a significant number of soldiers with him to Florida. The attack had combined forces of the 42 British regiment, the Highland Independent Company of Foot (Scottish), South Carolina militia, Georgia volunteers and Indian allies. Captain Hugh Mackay held the real command of the troops whom had settled in the abandoned Fort. A volunteer who held operational control was Colonel John Palmer. Conflicts between Palmer and Mackay and mistrust of South Carolinians and Georgians made for much fighting inside the Fort which was now held by the English.
St. Augustine, Florida: Fort Mose Historic State Park: Boardwalk to observation area, looking east. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Six months later, a combined force of Spanish regulars, black militia and Indian allies planned to retake the fort. It was a battle without mercy or prisoners, and would be referred to in English annals as “Bloody Mose.” Colonel Palmer knew the attack was coming. He had fought against the Yammasee Indians (Spanish allies) before. He knew that they would attack just before dawn. He got his troops up at 3:00am every morning to prepare for an attack. This brutal attack came on the morning of June 26, 1740.
This historical re-enactment will include demonstrations of 18th century colonial and military life, children’s activities, and African drumming demonstration. Two scheduled battle re-enactments will be preformed (times to be announced). Limited parking is available at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Additional parking and a free shuttle service is available at the Old Jail (167 San Marco Avenue) by Old Town Trolley Tours of St Augustine.
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