Fort Mose

Fort Mose was the first free Black settlement in what is now the United States, established in 1738 near St. Augustine, Florida. It served as a refuge for escaped enslaved Africans seeking freedom from Spanish and British colonies. The settlement was fortified and provided military training, helping defend the area from foreign threats. Located on the edge of Spanish Florida, Fort Mose symbolized resistance against slavery and offered a rare opportunity for freedom and community for Black people during that time. It remains an important historical site, highlighting themes of resilience, liberty, and the struggle for justice.