What Was the Battle of Bloody Mose?

In 1740, British troops invaded Spanish St. Augustine, laying seige to Fort Mose and claiming it as their own. General James Oglethorpe of Georgia led the charge.

But 16 days later, a defensive battalion of Spanish soliders, Fort Mose militia and Yamasee warriors surprised the British in an early morning attack. They quickly reclaimed Fort Mose through a fierce display of force. Casualties were high, inspiring the British to name this encounter ‘The Battle of Bloody Mose’. Following this stunning victory by the Spanish, British troops retreated from Spanish Florida.

Watch the Battle!

The Battle of Bloody Mose is reenacted annually at the Fort Mose Historic State Park.

This event is presented by Florida Living History, Inc. and the Fort Mose Historical Society.

Each year, hundreds of visitors gather to commemorate this historical event.Reenactments of the battle take place at 12:00 noon and at 2:00 p.m. Additional activities, occurring throughout the day, include musket demonstrations and colonial Florida crafts such as blacksmithing, 18th-century food preparation, finger weaving and pine needle basket weaving. A variety of free children’s activities are offered, in addition to food and craft vendors.

Visitors will step back in time and experience what it was like on the fateful day before the battle. Scenes include Yamassee natives preparing for battle, British soldiers planning a surprise attack of the Castillo de San Marcos, and British General Oglethorpe and his forces encamped at Fort Mose. Before and after the battle, visitors can interact with reenactors in period dress.

Admission: The event is free. Admission to park grounds is also free. There is a $2.00 fee to enter the interactive museum located within the Visitor Center. Children under 6 are admitted free-of-charge.