Locals and travelers alike praise the hidden gem that is Fort Mose

Most would agree that if there’s one Florida historic area that best showcases our nation’s progress and rich history, it’s St. Augustine.

But for an even deeper look at narratives of freedom and bravery, there’s nothing more intriguing to explore than the often-overlooked Fort Mose.

“Fort Mose Historic State Park is an amazing place that tells one of our nation’s most inspiring stories of courage and freedom,” says Julia Gill Woodward, chief executive officer of Florida State Parks Foundation. “More than 300 years ago, the first group of freedom seekers arrived in Spanish St. Augustine after a long, dangerous journey from plantations in the British Carolinas. The Spanish offered them sanctuary, and a few years later, King Charles II of Spain decreed that all who fled Protestant colonies and converted to Catholicism would be freed.”

Despite its impressive — and important — history, even St. Augustine natives often don’t know the full story behind Fort Mose, a 40-acre waterfront just two miles north of St. Augustine.

Two years ago, St. Augustine local Joe Strong visited Fort Mose after researching things to do in Saint Johns County. Strong felt floored after strolling the site and learning about the fort’s history.

“Where else in our country can you find a history that is as long and rich as that of Saint Augustine?” he says. “There are people who come from all over the world to visit and enjoy that which only takes us [locals] a short drive. Castillo de San Marcos is a very popular destination with many visitors each year. I want these same visitors to learn about Fort Mose. Most importantly, [I want them] to learn about the brave people who composed this fort and community. I feel it is equally deserving of recognition.”

Another visitor, retired Army veteran Scott F. Meyers, came across the fort accidentally while exploring the area. Meyers says he felt pleasantly surprised by the find and found himself marveling at the history of the site.

“I’m a retired military officer and travel many places to seek this type of historical place on my travels around the country,” says Meyers, who currently lives in Corpus Christi, Texas. “The visitor center at Fort Mose is very impressive and illustrates the entire scenario for others to understand and appreciate what the slaves endured to get here and beyond.”

Luckily, organizations like the Fort Mose Historical Society and St. Augustine Historical Society aim to share the storied past as much as possible with the public. Over the years, the organizations and the Florida State Parks Foundation have pushed for designations to bring more awareness to the sacred historic site.