Fort Mose Historic State Park, in St. Augustine, Florida, Opens New Replica Fort

In time for summer and the annual retelling of the Battle of Bloody Mose in St. Augustine, Florida, Fort Mose Historic State Park debuts a new replica fort for family travelers to immerse themselves in the historic settlement.

© FloridasHistoricCoast.com

The original settlement, formerly called Garcia Real de Santa Theresa de Mose, was established in 1738 as the first legally sanctioned, free Black settlement in North America. Its inhabitants were primarily slaves of West African origin who escaped from South Carolina and Georgia, establishing the settlement as a military and residential community.

Nearly 250 years later, the site was uncovered during an archaeological dig, and after 30 years of work, Fort Mose has become a tangible structure once more with the opening of a replica fort. And, on June 28, living historians representing free Black Fort Mose militia, Spanish militia and Native American allies will fight British and Scottish invaders at the reenactment of the Battle of Bloody Mose.

© FloridasHistoricCoast.com

The original battle occurred June 26, 1740 and ended General Oglethorpe’s campaign in Spanish Florida. During this reenactment, the new fort will be open with extended hours and, on June 27, the site will feature an encampment and tours of the fort from 6 to 8 p.m.

In addition to the replica fort, Fort Mose also features a visitor center and small museum. The original fort is currently a protected site, but visitors can see artifacts uncovered from the site in the museum.