Experience Fort Mose
Come watch this monthly history re-enactment featuring lectures, demonstrations, and more at Fort Mose.
Experience Fort Mose is a monthly history program that includes living history demonstrations focusing on the Fort Mose settlement and St. Augustine's history.
This month's program, Experience Fort Mose: Protecting La Florida - Building the Black Militia will focus on and pay tribute to the men of color who defended Florida throughout its history; beginning with its founding and continuing up to the current day. The first formal Black militia was founded in 1683 by Governor Juan Marquez Cabrera, known as La Compania de los Pardes y Morenos. The program will emphasize how the Black militia helped defend Florida during the British attacks of 1702 and 1740, the American Revolution, the Patriot War of 1812, the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and more recently the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Volunteers will be dressed in period appropriate clothing offering all visitors a unique view of the past. Dr. Sherry Johnson, Professor of History and Director of Academic Programs in the Latin American and Caribbean Center at Florida International University will present a history of the Black militia at both 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
History of Fort Mose: Spanish Governor Manuel de Montiano claimed the establishment of the very first African community in 1738. The community was named El Pueblo de Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose by Montiano. The name was inspired by the Spanish king, Santa Teresa de Aviles, and the Native American refugees from the British invasion of 1702, who called the site Mose. Captain Francisco Menendez became head of the African militia in 1726, taking the role as the community's chief. Fort Mose served an extremely important role helping guard against the British invasion from the north.
Admission: Regular park fees are required $2 per person museum fee.
Where? Fort Mose State Park located at 15 Fort Mose Trail St. Augustine, FL 32084.
When? 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014.
For more information on this event or on the park please call (904) 823-2232 or Visit Here.
