Hispanic America USA
Colonial America USA
Copyright (c) 1996-97 All Rights Reserved

Fort Mose, Florida
The Earliest Movements for Human Rights-

Spanish protect African-born runaway slaves

One of the earliest movements fin the fight for
human freedom is the story of Fort Mose, Florida,
the first legally sanctioned free black
community in what is now the United States.

It is a little known story, and one which gives us
a powerful tool for changing our perceptions
about the colonial experience.

The story begins more than 250 years ago
with the escape of
African-born slaves from British control.

Black slaves from the English controlled 13 colonies,
flee to Spanish controlled Florida for safety.  

Many men, women and children set out
to St. Augustine. by land and by water,
the runaways were often aided
by the Indian allies in reaching their final
destination-Spanish Florida.

Please E-mail Judy Baca Romero with 1stbooks@neta.com
any information, comments