Manager's Message
The long days of summer are quickly approaching and offer plenty of time to enjoy the solitude of the marsh at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Bring binoculars and look toward the pine trees at the rookery to view the Great Blue Heron babies. Great White Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Wood Storks, White Ibis, and others have also been sighted at the rookery. Morning and late afternoon are typically the best time to come out and bird watch. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch. A picnic pavilion is available near the boardwalk and more tables in back of the new visitor center.
History of Fort Mose tours are available. Please schedule at least two weeks in advance. Please call Park Office at 904-823-2232 for reservations.
In an effort to better serve you, our camping and cabin reservation system has received an upgrade. To make reservations, call ReserveAmerica at (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL, TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica. Please visit the Park Information page for important changes to our overnight accommodation policy.
- Paul Crawford, Park Manager
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 Saratoga Boulevard 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) 461-2033.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 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 Saratoga. Saratoga 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 Saratoga. Saratoga 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 Saratoga.) Saratoga 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 Anastasia State Park at 904-461-2006.
Fort Mose Historical State Park
c/o Anastasia State Park 1340A A1A S. St. Augustine, FL 32080
, Florida 32080
Phone: (904) 461-2033
Fax:
Citizen Support Organization
Fort Mose Historical Society
c/o Anastasia State Park
1340-A A1A South
St. Augustine, FL 32080-5422
904-461-2000
