Fort Mose Historic State Park
Fort Mose
The site of the first legally recognized free Black settlement in North America, recounting how enslaved people fled south to Spanish Florida.
In 1738, enslaved Africans who had escaped from English Carolina established a free community and a defensive fort here under Spanish protection, an important chapter in the history of the Underground Railroad. The fort no longer stands, but the visitor center has detailed exhibits, and the boardwalk over the salt marsh and the birdwatching platform offer lovely scenery. Admission is about $2. The site is about 4 km north of the old town.
Opening hours
Park 08:00–sunset; visitor center Thu–Mon
Nearby sights
- Old St. Johns County Jail
- Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
- Mission Nombre de Dios
- Vilano Beach
- St. George Street
- Oldest Wooden School House
- Castillo de San Marcos
- St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum