Fort Mose Historical Society
Presents
Fort Mose First Harvest
November 1, 2025
Fort Mose Historic State Park
15 Fort Mose Trail
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Please watch this site for more information!
Event Highlights
Fort Mose was founded in March 1738. Community citizens labored long hours during that year, building their homes and a fort, planting crops and tending livestock. They survived on food rations provided by the Spanish government, until they were able to harvest food from their own gardens.
Fort Mose First Harvest is a joyous event that recreates a typical autumn festival with 18th century Spanish Florida. This is an immersive experience, typically including reenactors in period dress, foodways demonstrations, militia muster, and traditional trades and crafts.
Scheduled Events
This event is weather-sensitive.
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!
We’re also grateful for invaluable assistance from our Partners including Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Garrison and numerous reenactor groups who serve as ‘opposing forces’.
Fort Mose Historical Society
Incorporate June 26, 1996
Selected Awards & Honors
Site of Memory: UNESCO Routes of Enslaved Peoples Project
US National Historic Landmark
Site, National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
10:00 AM
Militia Captain Welcome – Lawson Dukes
Respect to the Flag & Opening Prayer by the Priest
Welcome by CSO President – Charles Ellis
Welcome by Florida State Park – Billy McNaught
Militia Muskets / Cannon Firing Demonstration
11: 00 AM
First Harvest re-enactors Celebration Presentation:
Blessing by the Priest
Governor Montano’s Speech
Captain Francisco Menendez speech
Women of Fort Mose presentation
11:45 AM
Reenactor interaction with the public. Militia, Spanish Soldiers, Women of Mose, British Soldiers.
1:00 PM
Closing Ceremony