Founders Day – The Founding of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose
Schedule of Events:
10:00 am – Ceremony
Opening with Respect to the Flag
Prayer by the Priest
Welcome by Charles Elis (CSO President)
25th Anniversary Announcements by Thomas Jackson (CSO Vice-President)
10:30 am Program Starts
Spanish Governor Don Manuel de Montiano Speech
Priest Blessing
Francisco Menendez Speech
11:15 am Interactive Program
Militia / Spanish soldiers & Ladies of Mose re-enactors
Bring Fort Mose to Life
12:00 – Noon
Closing Ceremony
Event Highlights
Witness the processions, pageantry, ceremony, and cannon salutes surrounding the official founding of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or ‘Fort Mose’, in 1738. This marks the 284th anniversary of the historic event that established Fort Mose as the first legally sanctioned free Black community in North America.
Join in the celebration as Captain Francisco Menendez, members of his free African militia, and members of the Fort Mose Militia officially receive their freedom from enslavement. Witness the official blessing of the site by Franciscan Friar Don Joseph de Leon.
Event Details
There is no charge to attend this event. Donations and Membership enrollment in Fort Mose Historical Society are gratefully accepted.
There is a charge of $2.00 for adults who wish to explore the Visitors Center museum; children 5 and under enter free.
This event is weather-sensitive. Please check this site frequently for more information!
The Real History!
In March 1738, the fortified village of El Pueblo de Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose was established by Don Manuel de Montiano y Luyando, royal governor of Florida. Located just north of the walled city of St. Augustine, Fort Mose became the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the continental U.S.
Montiano also named Capitán Menendez, head of Florida’s African militia since 1726, as the settlement’s leader.
In 1740, Fort Mose militia was instrumental in defending colonial St. Augustine from British occupation. Unfortunately, the Mose fortress and community buildings were destroyed in the brutal conflict, called the Battle of Bloody Mose.
Event Sponsors
This event is supported, in part, by a Arts, Culture & Heritage grant provided by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, with support from St. Johns County Cultural Council.
We are also grateful for generous support from our partners at Castillo de San Marcos and The Historic Florida Militia.
Did You Know!
Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or Fort Mose, was:
- Destination of the original Underground Railroad, running south.
- First legally sanctioned free Black community in what’s now the United States!
Fort Mose Historical Society was founded in 1996, to serve as a Citizen Support Organization (CSO) for Fort Mose Historic State Park.
The Society’s mission is ‘to tell the Fort Mose story’.