The power politics of 18th century England and Spain reached across the Atlantic to the Florida frontier. In 1738, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered Fort Mose as a settlement for freed Africans who had fled slavery in the British Carolinas. When Spain ceded Florida to Britain in 1763, the inhabitants of Fort Mose migrated to Cuba. Although nothing remains of the fort, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 for its importance in American history. Visitors may view the site from a boardwalk and stop for a picnic in a covered pavilion. Located approximately two miles north of the Castillo de San Marcos near the St. Augustine City gates on U.S. 1. Turn east off U.S. 1 onto Saratoga Boulevard and follow the signs to the site.
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
From St. Augustine: From downtown St. Augustine, drive north on A1A. At the carousel (you read it correctly), continue straight north on San Marco. (A1A turns right towards Vilano Beach. Don't go that way.) San Marco merges with Hwy 1. Shortly after the merge, look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Saratoga. Saratoga dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot. OR: From Hwy 1 in St. Augustine, drive north past Hwy 16. Look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Saratoga. Saratoga dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot. From Jacksonville: Drive south on Hwy 1. Turn left on Saratoga. (If you pass Hwy 16 you've missed Saratoga.) Saratoga dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.
As of July 1, 2007, visitors to Fort Mose will need to stop by the entry gate to pay an entry fee. Fees will be $2.00 per vehicle and $1.00 for individuals who walk in or for bicyclists. For more information, please contact Anastasia State Park at 904-461-2006.
Fort Mose
c/o Anastasia State Park 1340A A1A S. St. Augustine, FL 32080
, Florida 32080
Phone: (904) 461-2033
Fax: