Park Summary for Print - Fort Mose Historical State Park

Welcome to Fort Mose Historical State Park

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 Fort Mose Trail and follow the signs to the site.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Fort Mose Historical State Park, please call (904) 823-2232.

Hours of Operation

The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The grounds are open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

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 Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail 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 Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.

From Jacksonville: Drive south on Hwy 1. Turn left on Fort Mose Trail. (If you pass Hwy 16 you've missed Fort Mose Trail.) Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$4.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Activities at Fort Mose Historical State Park

	Boating Shallow creeks with rapid tidal changes and large oyster beds pass by the park, but there are no boat landings at this time.
	Canoeing/Kayaking Shallow creeks with rapid tidal changes and large oyster beds pass by the park, but there are no boat landings at this time.
	Hiking/Nature Trails A 1/4 mile boardwalk provides an easy walk to a beautiful marsh overlook.
	Pets Pets are allowed in the park's roads, trails, boardwalk, and picnic area! Pets must be kept on a 6-foot hand-held leash at all times and must be quiet and well-behaved. You must "scoop" after your pet. (Don't forget your baggies!) These rules help preserve an important habitat for wildlife. Please do not leave your pets unattended in a vehicle for their safety, as temperatures inside vehicles can be dangerously high. Please see Florida State Park Pets Policy for more information.
	Picnic Areas A small picnic pavilion is available for day use at no charge.
	Wildlife Viewing A 1/4 mile boardwalk provides many marsh and hammock views.

Special Events for Fort Mose Historical State Park

PORT PASS TOURS
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Description: Experience History in St. Augustine every Saturday in November! Spend a Saturday immersed in history at the Nation’s Oldest Port! From historic battles forts to the secret for everlasting youth, the Old Town Trolley (the green trolley) will stop at 4 historic sites every Saturday in November. Each site offers programs and activities; The Castillo de San Marcos from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Fort Mose from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., the Fountain of Youth from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and the St. Augustine Lighthouse from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Fort Mose will offer a guided program at 11:00 a.m. and self guided activities from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Bring the family and discover the courageous story of Fort Mose. No reservation is required.
Fees: Regular park entry fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.

Participation Requirements
THANKSGIVING COOKING PROGRAM
Date: November 28, 2009, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Description: Come celebrate Thanksgiving learning about African, Native American and Spanish cooking traditions and cuisine. This fun, interactive and yummy program will introduce visitors to the cooking and food traditions that influenced the residents of Fort Mose. Food will be prepared and demonstrated by a volunteer in the cook chosa.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.

Participation Requirements

A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
PORT PASS TOURS
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2009
Description: Experience History in St. Augustine every Saturday in November! Spend a Saturday immersed in history at the Nation’s Oldest Port! From historic battles forts to the secret for everlasting youth, the Old Town Trolley (the green trolley) will stop at 4 historic sites every Saturday in November. Each site offers programs and activities; The Castillo de San Marcos from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Fort Mose from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., the Fountain of Youth from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and the St. Augustine Lighthouse from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Fort Mose will offer a guided program at 11:00 a.m. and self guided activities from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Bring the family and discover the courageous story of Fort Mose. No reservation is required.
Fees: Regular park entry fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.

Participation Requirements
GUIDED BIRD WALK
Date: December 6, 2009, 8:30a.m. - 10:30a.m.
Description: Come meet the birds at Fort Mose State Historic Park. Led by a park volunteer, this fun, informative walk is open to the public and to birders of all levels. We’ll walk the boardwalk, see the rookery, and visit the education building. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have one.
Fees: The park entrance fee is $4.00 per vehicle and $2.00 for individuals who walk in or for bicyclists.
Contact: Kathryn Davis, kathryn.davis@dep.state.fl.us

Participation Requirements
FLIGHT TO FREEDOM
Date: February 27, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Description: First person interpreters tell and re-enact the saga of the first underground railroad. Escaping slaves, hostile slave catchers, friendly indians, and militiamen bring to life the story of African Americans fleeing slavery in the English colonies to seek freedom in Spanish Florida. In addition, there will be drumming, story telling and Colonial weapon demonstrations. Free trolley shuttle service from the 'Old Jail' located at 167 San Marco Avenue.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.

A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event

Fort Mose Historical State Park Ranger Programs

GUIDED TOUR OF FORT MOSE
Every Saturday, beginning on September 12th, Fort Mose Historic State Park will offer a ranger-led guided tour of Fort Mose. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m. On the tour, you will watch a short film on the history of Fort Mose, tour the exhibits and walk the boardwalk. Experience the history of Fort Mose, learn about the archaeology of the site, see remnants of daily life in Colonial Spanish Florida, and stroll along the boardwalk though a pristine salt water marsh. The guided tour is free, however, regular park entry fees apply.

Call 904-823-2232 for more details.