Modern Fort Mose
Aerial View
"For more than 150 years after its abandonment Fort Mose was buried from history on a remote island in the Florida marsh. It has required the combined efforts of many different scientists, historians, and legislators to rediscover Mose and bring to light a long-lost and little-known chapter of our colonial past" (Deagan and MacMahon, 38).
"Although Fort Mose was vacated in 1763-a little more than one hundred years before the end of the American Civil War-the remarkable stories of Francisco Menendez and Fort Mose are still unfolding" (Turner, 32). Mr. Jack Williams, a private property owner, surmised that Fort Mose's relics were on his land. In the 1980s, he welcomed archaeologists to excavate. Underneath the soil lay the remains of Fort Mose. To assist their search, researchers used historical documents and thermal imagery, which is the use of heat to pinpoint an area. Places that humans have altered, such as moats or roads, are often hotter.
"Although Fort Mose was vacated in 1763-a little more than one hundred years before the end of the American Civil War-the remarkable stories of Francisco Menendez and Fort Mose are still unfolding" (Turner, 32). Mr. Jack Williams, a private property owner, surmised that Fort Mose's relics were on his land. In the 1980s, he welcomed archaeologists to excavate. Underneath the soil lay the remains of Fort Mose. To assist their search, researchers used historical documents and thermal imagery, which is the use of heat to pinpoint an area. Places that humans have altered, such as moats or roads, are often hotter.
The Excavation of Fort Mose
Artifacts
Upon locating Fort Mose, archaeologists could begin excavation. Archaeologists discovered moats, earthwork, and remains of post supports. Screening the soil revealed plant remains, animal bones, and artifact fragments.
"The artifacts from Fort Mose have provided detail about daily life at the fort, from diet to building construction. By combining all sources of information, from the archives of Spain to the soils of the former fort, researchers are reconstructing a social history for the people at Fort Mose, more than two hundred years ago" (Deagan and MacMahon, 41).
"The artifacts from Fort Mose have provided detail about daily life at the fort, from diet to building construction. By combining all sources of information, from the archives of Spain to the soils of the former fort, researchers are reconstructing a social history for the people at Fort Mose, more than two hundred years ago" (Deagan and MacMahon, 41).
Clip from FPAN Northeast Region "Fort Mose Virtual Field Trip"
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Fort Mose Historical Park
Park Sign
"Welcome to Fort Mose Historic State Park, the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. In 1738, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered the settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or Fort Mose for short, as a settlement for those fleeing slavery from the English colonies in the Carolinas. Over the next 25 years, Fort Mose and Spanish Saint Augustine became a sanctuary for Africans seeking liberation from the tyranny of English slavery.
Fort Mose has been recognized for its national significance in commemorating the history of the United States. In 1994 the site was designated as a National Historic Landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009 the National Park Service named Fort Mose as a precursor site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Although there are no remains of the earth and wooden structures, visitors can still view the land where the settlement once stood. Stroll down the sundrenched boardwalk and imagine life in the eighteenth century. Learn more about the story of Fort Mose in our newly constructed visitor center and museum or explore the grounds and view one of the many exhibits available."
-Floridastateparks.org
Fort Mose has been recognized for its national significance in commemorating the history of the United States. In 1994 the site was designated as a National Historic Landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009 the National Park Service named Fort Mose as a precursor site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Although there are no remains of the earth and wooden structures, visitors can still view the land where the settlement once stood. Stroll down the sundrenched boardwalk and imagine life in the eighteenth century. Learn more about the story of Fort Mose in our newly constructed visitor center and museum or explore the grounds and view one of the many exhibits available."
-Floridastateparks.org
Clip from FPAN Northeast Region "Fort Mose Virtual Field Trip"
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