Fort Mose Historic State Park

About this activity

Fort Mose Historic State Park is a 40-acres of historic waterfront complete with picnic areas, one observation and birding boardwalk, as well as a kayak launch boardwalk, a visitor center AND a museum. PHEW!

It that wasn't enough, you get to spend the day surrounded by history, with the kids learning about some amazing events that shaped the course of the country.

You see, Fort Mose Historic State Park is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the USA. That's quite a huge history!

Way back 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.

Then, over the next 25 years, Fort Mose and Spanish Saint Augustine became a sanctuary for Africans seeking liberation from the tyranny of English slavery amidst a large-scale power struggle between European powers in the New World.

So you really are spending the day in history greatness! So it makes sense that in 1994, the site was designated as a National Historic Landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

To assist this learning experience, Fort Mose Historic State Park features an interactive museum that tells the complete history, and whilst there are no remains of the earth and wooden structures, families who visit can still view the land where the settlement once stood. 

History is really there to be re-lived at this iconic Florida State Park!