Boom Goes the History!
Most historic sites ask you to imagine the action. Fort Mose Historic State Park invites you to hear it. On June 28, the Battle of Bloody Mose returns to St. Augustine with booming cannons, redcoat reenactors, and a story too powerful to stay tucked behind glass.
This free, all-day event isn’t just a nod to Florida’s colonial past—it’s a full reenactment of the 1740 counterattack that helped save Spanish Florida. Led by free Black soldiers, Spanish troops, and Native allies, it’s one of the most explosive (literally) heritage events in the state—and one that reshaped the future of the region.
Not Just a Battle—A Breakthrough!
Long before Florida was a U.S. state—or even an idea—this land was a battleground of empires.
By June of 1740, British forces had taken Fort Mose and were closing in on the Castillo de San Marcos. The plan? Starve out Spanish Florida and claim the territory for the crown.
That didn’t happen…
Before dawn on June 26, a mixed force of Spanish soldiers, free Black militia from Fort Mose, and Native allies launched a surprise attack. The British garrison was overwhelmed. The fort was back in Spanish hands. And the siege? Over.
It was more than just a win—it was a step forward! The raid helped define...
- Fort Mose as the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what’s now the United States.
- A pathway to freedom for those escaping enslavement in the British colonies!
- Florida’s place in the broader story of resistance, long before 1776.
That legacy is still on display—quite literally—at Fort Mose Historic State Park. This year’s reenactment includes:
- Two battle performances at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Opening ceremony and site tours starting at 10 a.m.
- Costumed interpreters reenacting the chaos and courage of that 1740 morning!
This is Florida history brought outside—loud, layered, and unfolding on the same ground where it happened…
The Storytellers Behind the Smoke
While the reenactments grab your attention, it’s the Fort Mose Historical Society that gives this story staying power. Since 1996, the group has been dedicated to preserving Fort Mose’s legacy—funding research, developing exhibits, and hosting programs that share its powerful place in American history!
From preserving artifacts to pushing for a full fort reconstruction, the Society plays a quiet but crucial role in restoring Fort Mose’s rightful place in history. Thanks to their work, visitors can walk the same ground, watch the stories unfold, and understand why this isn’t just a battle site—it’s a landmark of liberation!
Mark Your Calendar (and Cannons!)
June 28 is a rare chance to watch history fire back! Fort Mose’s Battle of Bloody Mose reenactment brings 1740 to life with real cannon fire, free admission, and a story that still resonates. It’s one of Florida’s most immersive heritage events—right on the ground where it happened…
Looking for more Florida history worth the drive? Start here at www.guidetoflorida.com/museums!
