In St. Augustine lies the site of the first legally sanctioned free African American settlement, Fort Mose. While the fort itself no longer stands, the groundbreaking history it stood for is still well known. In 1738, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered the settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mosa, or Fort Mose. This was the very first of its kind, because it was built specifically for those people fleeing slavery from the English colonies in the Carolinas.

The fort has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1994, and in 2009 the National Park Service titled Fort Mose as a precursor site of the National Underground Railroad Network. The exciting history of this site fascinates visitors from all around. You can stroll along the scenic boardwalk and take in the landscape of where the fort once stood. Also, the new visitor center and museum are available for guests to explore and learn more about the history of Fort Mose. The visitor center is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Fort Mose for more details and make this innovative fort a part of your St. Augustine visit!