Another state park near St. Augustine is Fort Mose Historic State Park, a fascinating history many people would not know.

In the early 1700’s Spain was in control of La Florida, while Britain controlled Georgia. Spain declared that any slave that came to St. Augustine would be emancipated in exchange for serving with the Spanish militia. Many fled from the north. In 1738, 100 former slaves constructed a log fortress – Fort Mose – just north of St. Augustine. In 1739 Britain and Spain went to war. By 1740, the British were marching towards St. Augustine and toward Ft. Mose. The inhabitants evacuated to St. Augustine. A month later, 300 Spanish soldiers which included the black militia, recaptured the fort and the British retreated back to Georgia.

The fort was rebuilt in 1752 and the people lived free until 1763 when Florida was ceded to Britain. Then the inhabitants of Fort Mose worried about slavery again, fled to Cuba.

While the park isn’t that big, there is a nice exhibit center and plaques with the history for to learn more.

A nice boardwalk takes you far out into the salt marshes now covering the land that was farmed at Fort Mose.

You will see birds, sea grasses and reeds covering this beautiful area.

Also, some February evenings, there are jazz concerts in the park behind the visitors center. We found out when we arrived as they were setting things up. A small state park, worth a stop if you are ever in the area.