The site of Fort Mosé, officially known as Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mosé, was the first legally sanctioned free Black community within the present boundaries of the United States. Established in 1738 by Colonial Spanish Florida's Governor Manuel Montiano, Fort Mosé gave sanctuary to Africans challenging enslavement in the English Colony of Carolina. Approximately 100 Africans lived at Fort Mosé, forming more than 20 households. Together they created a frontier community which drew on a range of African backgrounds blended with Spanish, Native American and English cultural traditions.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994, Fort Mosé is a featured site on the Florida Black Heritage Trail. The site is now a state-owned conservation area.

LOCATION

St. Augustine, FL

TELEPHONE

Contact the St. Augustine and St. Johns County Visitor Information Center, located at 10 Castillo Drive. Open daily 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (904) 825-1000.

DIRECTIONS

Visitors traveling East-West on I-10 should take I-295 or I-95 south and take the exit for St. Augustine's Historic Downtown. Those traveling North-South on I-95, US 1, or A1A should take measures to also make their way into the downtown of St. Augustine.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. In winter, freezing temperatures are infrequent with cool, damp, and windy conditions common. Light, loose fitting clothing is recommended in Spring, Summer, and Fall; layered clothing is recommended for Winter, with good walking shoes. Insect repellent is also recommend.

TRANSPORTATION

Access by I-95, US 1, A1A, and numerous state routes; nearby Jacksonville and Daytona are served by international airports.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

St. Augustine has many local restaurants, retail and grocery stores within walking or short driving distance

ADJACENT VISITOR ACTIVITIES

Castillo de San Marcos; Fort Matanzas.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Fort Mosé Historical Society
P.O. Box 4230
St.Augustine Florida 32085-4230

Also, for more information on St. Augustine contact the St. Augustine and St. Johns County Visitor Information Center, located at 10 Castillo Drive. Open daily 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (904) 825-1000.

On the World Wide Web, more information on local historic sites and other attractions can be found at Old City Online.