St. Johns County has embraced its historical roots with the completion of the Fort Mose reconstruction project, a significant undertaking that breathes new life into the 1738 landmark known as America's "First Site of Freedom." The ribbon-cutting ceremony held last Friday, at the Fort Mose Historical State Park, was attended by members of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, reflecting the County's contribution of $250,000 to the $3.2 million project, as reported by the St. Johns County's official press release.
Apart from the Commissioners in attendance, including Krista Joseph, Christian Whitehurst, Sarah Arnold, and Ann Taylor, the ribbon-cutting featured a video produced by the Office of Public Affairs highlighting the park's renovation. In total, the County dedicated a considerable sum, following an initial $50,000 pledge in November 2021 augmented by an additional $200,000 committed later in October of 2023, demonstrating their long-term investment in honoring this key historical site.
Fort Mose occupies a special place in history as the first legal sanctuary for freed African Americans in the United States, established by the Spanish as a settlement for those who escaped enslavement from the British Carolinas. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1994, the reconstructed fort stands as a testament to both the physical and intangible heritage of those who sought freedom centuries ago. Charles Ellis, President of the Fort Mose Historical Society, underscored the fort's importance at the ribbon-cutting, stating, "What really matters today is the tribute and testament to the people who risked their lives to come here in the 1700s," according to the St. Johns County's press release.
The inaugural festivities showcased an array of 1700s-era Spanish flags newly walkways that invite guests toward the fortified structure, and presentations from Fort Mose experts Dr. Kathleen Deagan and Dr. Jane Landers shared insights about the significance of the site. In the distinct words of Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation, "This is a truly historic moment for our state, our nation, and everyone who believes in the power of freedom," these sentiments echo the overarching spirit captured during the event and reflected in the foundation's contribution to this profound piece of American and African American history, as detailed by St. Johns County.
Now complete, the fort features a towering 39-foot structure enclosed by an authentic moat and meticulously landscaped surrounds, ready to welcome visitors and educate them on the groundbreaking history that transpired on these grounds. With the successful conclusion of this project, Fort Mose is poised to inspire visitors for generations to come as a monumental hub of historical learning and reflection, a sentiment Kathleen Brennan, President of the Florida State Parks Foundation Board, embraced, saying, "Our hope is that, in the years to come, Fort Mose will inspire countless visitors from around the world the same way it has inspired us here today," as told to St. Johns County press.
