Wow, what an amazing experience and a wealth of information I received from the Fort Mose historic state park. My parents and I came here for a Black History Month event as they are commemorating the month with the flight of freedom. This is a journey of how enslaved people came to Fort Mose to obtain freedom. I only knew of this place as the Underground Railroad, based on my ancestry, knowing that my ancestors came from the Carolinas and Georgia down to this area, but I learned so much more in the short period of time I was there. This particular weekend showcase a reenactment, and teaches the story of individuals who trekked the long and perilous paths to be free from enslavement. From different stops with a real Yamasee Indian who was the chief of the tribe. He gave us a deep and in depth history of the Yamasee Indians and their role in the flight to freedom. During the reenactment, we made different stops along the way and the end we got to watch a demonstration of the soldiers shooting and firing off the canon. It was a very emotional experience and much needed - we need to learn from the past and continue to teach this type of history. Before the experience, my parents and I did have the opportunity to stop into the visitor center, which cost about $2. It definitely gives a timeline of events during the start of colonization and Florida, however it also has a lot of artifacts that were discovered in Saint Augustine from the 1700s and onward. Definitely make a stop here while visiting the city! read more

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Went to the park to see a concert Robert Cray. The venue is nicely set up outdoors doesn't hold a lot of people, but the acoustics were very good. The scene were really close together. I prefer to stand. I'm glad I chose to for this event. It was my first time there. I didn't realize there was an area where you would park your vehicle about two blocks down the road and then they shuttle you in. That was pretty nice. No waiting for that. I would go there again and enjoy the historical state park as well. read more

Fort Mose Historic State Park - Parks Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

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Fort Mose Historic State Park is the most underrated attraction in St. Augustine. People seem to come here for only part of a history lesson-the more palatable part that that doesn't remind them of one of the greatest stains of American history - slavery. Yes, I said it. While all the other attractions in St. Aug are prominently advertised and well catered to and attended, I heard nothing of this state park or the history surrounding it beside a blurb on a map and sign on the street. I've heard more advertising for BBQ joints in the area than this state park. Despite the rain on a Sunday, I ventured here for the museum and unfortunately didn't get to go to the rebuilt fort itself or the surrounding marsh/walkways (dang mama nature). Museum and film were very enlightening and I learned so much that I never was taught in school. I loved the interactive displays and hearing people's stories. Museum was set up so well and very informative without being too much of an info dump. The park ranger Billy was amazing. He went above and beyond when my husband had a medical issue and even exposed himself to rain to help us out. Such a beautiful friendly person. Overall, this hidden gem needs to be advertised more. And at only $2 it is a steal. read more

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This was a really cool piece of history! It's the first Black settlement in the USA. The history and tour was very interesting. It gave a bit of insight into the parts of history they don't talk about in school anymore. read more

Everything was beautiful and the history was amazing. The kids really enjoyed it, but wear bug spray. read more

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I love this park. It's great for an outdoors lunch with nature. The onsite museum is a plus. There is a very rich history at this park that is worth knowing. There is a walkway to overlook the marsh. Breathing the air here felt omnipresent. I also recommend making a donation if you are able. I would love to see the future of this park. read more

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We went on a Thursday, as the museum isn't open during the first part of the week. For a small fort and a tucked away museum, this has one of the nicest and most interactive displays of all the forts in the area. There are videos to watch and colorful, illustrative displays with many artifacts to walk you through the history of the entire area and the fort. The boardwalk through the marsh was nice. This exhibit will only continue to grow, as they plan to build a scaled model re-creation of the fort soon. Not a bad time for two dollars. read more

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Despite the actual site of Fort Mose being partially under water or on an island 1/4 mile away, this museum is worth the visit. Get a glimpse of life for freed blacks who were the first line of defense for St. Augustine. The introductory video was well done. The exhibits were informative for adults and they had children in mind when they were designing them. read more

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I went with a son and grandson to Fort Mose's kick-off to Black History Month. It was greatly entertaining and informative. We always think we know something about everything, but in this case there was plenty of additional information to absorb. First, one got a good view of the type of terrain escaped slaves from southern Florida and Georgia had to travel through--only at night--marshland and ponds. Then, the constant fear of discovery must have been a tremendous emotional burden, not to mention trying to carry children, food, some belongings, etc. The original residents of the site had to learn Spanish and the Native Americans' languages. What courage they all had! They also formed their own militia and there was a humorous demonstration of that. There's a museum, as well. I would recommend a visit to expand your understanding of how far people will go and how much they'll undergo to have personal and social freedom! read more

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Old St. Augustine has done it again. A awesome concert series at a place of such historical significance to bring a awareness to a new fort that will be built that used to sit where we sat last night. Nice! As we entered the park at night it was alive. The lights from the stage were beckoning us to a new experience in a unknow but wondrous area with uplights of blue and pink shining upon the historical trees that framed the venue brought forth a magical feeling. The jazz and blues series lasted one week and brought music, community and history to a front row position. I had not ever been here or even know of the historical significance of this spot but just as St Aug is full of known history this too should stand besides all the others and this was a great effort to bring forth that knowledge to many and raise funds for the future of this site! Kudos to all who are assisting and I look forward to the build and many more concerts. Please check out the link below especially if you love history as I do... https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-fort-mose read more

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Fort Mose is a pretty decent park in the St. Augustine area. We didn't go to the museum portion, so this is just based on the park itself. There's no entry fee and ample parking. The park is on the smaller side compared to many other state parks. There was what appeared to be a small walking trail in a wooded area, but it was short and didn't really go anywhere; it just led over to an area for official vehicles to park. There's one pier that gives a nice view of the salt marshes. The best feature is a longer boardwalk that goes over the marshes and leads out to a wide, scenic view and has some information about the salt marshes and animal and plant life found in the area. It's not a place that will occupy you all day, but it's a nice enough park to stop and explore for a little bit and enjoy being outside on a nice day. read more

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This was our first time visiting, since we always are driving past it. As part of the Discover St. Augustine bingo, we knocked it off our list to visit. It's a small park, with a visitor center and a boardwalk through the marsh. We were able to take our dog for a quick walk along the boardwalk to the view of the marsh. It took a few minutes to walk it, but it was a pleasant view and had a light breeze. It was crazy to think there were two forts out there in the marsh. You can't see them as they are no longer out there, but you can check out the history in the visitor center. It was nice to get outside in the sunshine with fresh air! read more

Fort Mose Historic State Park - Boardwalk - Parks Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

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Great history. Small and peaceful park. We very much enjoyed all that we learned while visiting this park. read more

An interesting Florida State Park located in north St Augustine. Be sure to visit the museum and walk the grounds.

Located just a few miles north of Saint Augustine on the edge of the salt marsh. The site wasn't discovered until 1986 and is now protected by Florida State Parks. It was designated as a US National Historic Landmark in October 1994. The Spanish governor of Florida had Fort Mose built and established as a free black settlement in 1738. The fort has also been known as Fort Moosa or Fort Mossa, and Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mosé. This was a safe haven for escaped slaves from the British colonies to the north. Fort Mose is believed to have helped inspire the Stono Rebellion in September 1739. Aside from the museum and the history...there are amazing views of nature here. The boardwalk is not long, but along the walk you can see various bird species, crabs, turtles, etc. and breathtaking views of the marsh. Please note: the Visitor Center/Museum is only open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The grounds are open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., 365 days a year. There is a $2.00 fee per person to enter the museum and children under 6 are free. Admission to park grounds is free and there is ample parking. read more

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The Flight to Freedom Encounter at Fort Mose This event is a St. Augustine hidden gem. In my opinion, the event needs more advertising because it really is a terrific educational experience. Fort Mose's Flight to Freedom Encounter was held the weekend of Mother's Day in May 2021. I am not sure if it is the same time every year. The encounter is an hour or so walk that recreates the steps of slaves fleeing to St. Augustine to find freedom. The walk includes actors telling stories about what they may have encountered before reaching St. Augustine. The actors did a fantastic job! The stories they told were amazing and educational. It really is an event everyone should experience at lease once. It was also very family friendly. I did not visit the museum because it was closed that day. But from what other's have told me it sounds well worth the entrance fee. It is a smaller park so there are not a lot of walking trails. There are a couple picnic table, so you could bring a lunch and enjoy the beautiful trees and shaded areas. read more

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A national landmark just north of downtown St. Augustine, and site of the first settlement for free Africans in the United States - dating back to 1740! Beautiful setting on the marsh with picnic area and a fascinating small museum. Great for people of all ages. $2 park fee. read more

Fort Mose Historic State Park - View from dock and boardwalk at Fort Mose - Parks Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

I love the outdoors and love history (not as much as my husband though). This State Park gives me both! As an annual pass holder, the fee was waived to enter the park and museum. I really enjoyed the high tech exhibits! There are circles on the floor in front of various displays and when you stand in proximity an audio tour is triggered- telling a story from the perspective of someone who lived in that time. Fort Mose surprised me with the Spanish history and the lure of freedom for many slaves held in English Colonies. This was the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. This enticed several revolts from slaves in colonies to the north- who wanted to flee and claim freedom. This history was very different- because it spoke of the black and brown people who came to this country free and accepted refugees and convicts (as they were called for abandoning their slave owners) from various other places. The only stipulation for gaining their freedom was that they had to declare their allegiance to the king of Spain and became members of the Catholic Church. A new culture was born here thanks to the African, Native American & Spanish & English influences. There is no structure, however the park is raising funds to build a replicate of the fort. I know that they offer reenactments, maybe we can make it down in the near future to experience one of those! The park is nestled on an intercoastal waterway- the waterfront is teaming with wildlife and fantastic views of the city of St Augustine- not too far away. read more

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What a great museum. Just $2 for adults and free for children under 6. The museum display was built in conjunction with the school for the deaf and blind and has hands on and audio available. With US History's heavy focus on British background the colonial past of Spain is often overlooked. This museum specifically focuses on free African, Spanish-Africans and escaped British slaves existence in Florida. The fifteen minute movie is worth watching with a focus on the fort, its people, and its creation. For Mose is a good way to spend an hour. read more

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Well done displays, beautifully appointed little museum. Preserving history that was previously overlooked? 5 stars. Support the park service cause who knows how long it'll last without funding. read more

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So much history that goes Untold The story of Fort Mose did not come into existence until 1985. For years the powers that be had fought to keep it off the books. But now the story is being told. On the shore of Robinson Creek was the site of a Spanish mission for Indians to left homeless during Queen Anne's War. Since 1688, negro slaves from the English colonies had found refuge in Spanish Saint Augustine. On March 15th 1738, Governor Manuel de Montiano freedom in the Name of the King, and later form a village for them named Grcia Real, at Mose. Here the freedmen would cultivate the ground and learn the Catholic religion. For their protection, a moated earthwork was erected, called Fort Mose This place is beautiful. I am glad that I took the time to explore some of the untold and unseen areas of St. Augustine. I would highly recommend that anybody wanting to truly know the history of the United States, visit this site. read more

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Small State Park but totally worth the 2-hour visit. Hubbie and I are history nerds so really loved learning about this unusual place where the Spanish offered British slaves freedom in exchange for populating the Fort. Beautiful setting and so inspiring. read more