Park Summary for Print - Fort Mose Historical State Park

Welcome to Fort Mose Historical State Park

The power politics of 18th century England and Spain reached across the Atlantic to the Florida frontier. In 1738, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered Fort Mose as a settlement for freed Africans who had fled slavery in the British Carolinas. When Spain ceded Florida to Britain in 1763, the inhabitants of Fort Mose migrated to Cuba. Although nothing remains of the fort, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 for its importance in American history. Visitors may view the site from a boardwalk and stop for a picnic in a covered pavilion. Located approximately two miles north of the Castillo de San Marcos near the St. Augustine City gates on U.S. 1. Turn east off U.S. 1 onto Fort Mose Trail and follow the signs to the site.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Fort Mose Historical State Park, please call (904) 823-2232.

Hours of Operation

The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. The grounds are open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

From St. Augustine: From downtown St. Augustine, drive north on A1A. At the carousel (you read it correctly), continue straight north on San Marco. (A1A turns right towards Vilano Beach. Don't go that way.) San Marco merges with Hwy 1. Shortly after the merge, look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot. OR: From Hwy 1 in St. Augustine, drive north past Hwy 16. Look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot. From Jacksonville: Drive south on Hwy 1. Turn left on Saratoga. (If you pass Hwy 16 you've missed Fort Mose Trail.) Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.

Park Fees

As of July 1, 2007, visitors to Fort Mose will need to stop by the entry gate to pay an entry fee. Fees will be $2.00 per vehicle and $1.00 for individuals who walk in or for bicyclists. For more information, please contact Fort Mose Historic State Park at 904-823-2232.

Activities at Fort Mose Historical State Park

	Boating Shallow creeks with rapid tidal changes and large oyster beds pass by the park, but there are no boat landings at this time.
	Canoeing/Kayaking Shallow creeks with rapid tidal changes and large oyster beds pass by the park, but there are no boat landings at this time.
	Hiking/Nature Trails A 1/4 mile boardwalk provides an easy walk to a beautiful marsh overlook.
	Pets Pets are allowed in the park's roads, trails, boardwalk, and picnic area! Pets must be kept on a 6-foot hand-held leash at all times and must be quiet and well-behaved. You must "scoop" after your pet. (Don't forget your baggies!) These rules help preserve an important habitat for wildlife. Please do not leave your pets unattended in a vehicle for their safety, as temperatures inside vehicles can be dangerously high. Please see Florida State Park Pets Policy for more information.
	Picnic Areas A small picnic pavilion is available for day use at no charge.
	Wildlife Viewing A 1/4 mile boardwalk provides many marsh and hammock views.

Special Events for Fort Mose Historical State Park

GUIDED BIRD WALK
Date: September 21, 2008, 8:30a.m. - 10:30a.m.
Description: Join an experienced birder from the St. Johns County Audubon Society on a guided walk along the boardwalk and grounds at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Enthusiasts will find a variety of herons, egrets, wood storks, hawks, and owls. Please bring your binoculars and field guide if you have one. The event is weather permitting.
Fees: This event is $2.00 per vehicle and $1.00 for individuals who walk in or for bicyclists.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
FORT MOSE STORYTELLERS
Date: September 27, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Description: Fort Mose Historic State Park will have storytellers and poets read exciting stories of Adventure and Freedom. Children will have a chance to explore Fort Mose on an 'adventure walk' and write thier own adventure story. Each child will receive a bookmark and a booklet to take home.
Fees: $2.00 entrance fee/ per car or free entry into the park with a library book, library card or book donation
Contact: Contact park for more information.
GUIDED BIRD WALK
Date: October 19, 2008, 8:30a.m. - 10:30a.m.
Description: Join an experienced birder from the St. Johns County Audubon Society on a guided walk along the boardwalk and grounds at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Enthusiasts will find a variety of herons, egrets, wood storks, hawks, and owls. Please bring your binoculars and field guide if you have one. The event is weather permitting.
Fees: This event is $2.00 per vehicle and $1.00 for individuals who walk in or for bicyclists.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
GUIDED BIRD WALK
Date: November 16, 2008, 8:30a.m. - 10:30a.m.
Description: Join an experienced birder from the St. Johns County Audubon Society on a guided walk along the boardwalk and grounds at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Enthusiasts will find a variety of herons, egrets, wood storks, hawks, and owls. Please bring your binoculars and field guide if you have one. The event is weather permitting.
Fees: This event is $2.00 per vehicle and $1.00 for individuals who walk in or for bicyclists.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event