History You Can Touch: Fort Mose’s Rebuilt Fort Opens to Visitors

Just minutes from the heart of St. Augustine, a powerful piece of history has come back to life—and it's ready for your next family adventure.

Fort Mose Historic State Park, home to the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States, has unveiled a stunning new replica of its original 18th-century fort. After more than 30 years of planning, research, and community support, the structure finally stands tall once again—bringing history off the page and into the real world.

And it’s an experience your kids won’t forget.

Back in 1738, Fort Mose (pronounced Moh-say) was a sanctuary for formerly enslaved people who fled British colonies like South Carolina and Georgia in search of freedom under Spanish rule. Families built new lives here. Fathers, sons, and even teenagers joined the militia to defend the settlement. Women farmed, cooked, taught, and worshipped within the community. These were bold, brave people who risked everything for a chance to live free—and they succeeded.

Until now, visitors to Fort Mose could walk the grounds and visit the on-site museum. But without the fort itself, the full story felt incomplete. Now, with a newly constructed three-story replica made to match historical records, families can finally stand where those early freedom-seekers once stood—and feel the power of their story in a whole new way.

“This fort is a tribute to the people who were brave enough to act and determined enough to travel on only the hope that free territory was waiting for them,” said Charles Ellis, President of the Fort Mose Historical Society.

So what can families expect? Daily guided tours (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) are great for kids ages 7 and up, with engaging guides who bring the site to life. You’ll walk through the new structure, learn about the people who lived there, and hear how Fort Mose played a major role in the fight between Spain and Britain over the Florida territory.

For hands-on learners, the park also hosts monthly militia musters, where reenactors in period dress demonstrate drills and share stories about the fort’s defenders. Birding tours and nature walks make it a perfect blend of culture and outdoor fun—ideal for homeschoolers, curious tweens, and even reluctant teens.

Best of all? Admission is just $2 per person, making this one of the most affordable and enriching day trips on Florida’s Historic Coast.