Flight to Freedom Re-Enactment

History comes alive at Fort Mose in February when the Fort Mose Historical Society presents its annual Flight to Freedom event. The event is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday, February 20 through 22, 2025. School and group tours are available on these days as well.

During this three-day living history showcase, re-enactors demonstrate what life was like for the hundreds of slaves who traveled the Underground Railroad's southern route to Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose (Fort Mose). Visitors find themselves back in 1738 as they walk along a wooded trail and encounter escaped slaves seeking freedom, helpful natives, compassionate friars, and slave catchers determined to catch them all. The travelers are led to safety by a boatsman who takes them to Fort Mose, the first legally sanctioned black community in North America.

Activities include historical demonstrations and guided walks along the park's Freedom Trail, which represents the journey for slaves escaping from coastal Carolina to Spanish Florida.

The Annual Flight to Freedom Heritage Event is sponsored by Fort Mose Historic State Park and the Fort Mose Historical Society, with the support of volunteers from the Fort Mose Militia and other historical re-enactment groups.

Tours along the park's freedom trail will start every 15 minutes between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and again from noon to 3:00 p.m. Visitors will also be entertained by African drumming from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

For more information, call (904) 823-2232 or visit the Fort Mose website.

Admission: Free admission to the park grounds and the event. Admission to the museum inside the visitor center is $2.00 for all over the age of six. Donations to the Fort Mose Historical Society and membership enrollment are appreciated.

When: Thursday, February 20 through Saturday, February 22, 2025. Tours leave every 15 minutes from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and again from noon to 3:00 p.m. The park is open until 4:00 p.m. In 2025, you will be able to reserve a time for a guided tour. Watch for more information.

Where: Fort Mose at 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, Florida 32084.

Parking: Parking at Fort Mose is available on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, the lot is designated for those who need accessible parking. Others have free general parking at the County Health Department, 200 San Sebastian View. There is a free shuttle service only on Saturday beginning at 8:30 a.m. The final shuttle departs for the parking lot at 4:00 p.m.