Black History Plays Major Role in Story of St. Augustine

Nation's Oldest City

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. October 14, 2008

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, Janaury 5, 2007. In St. Augustine, February isn't the only month in which black history receives the attention it so richly deserves. Here in the Nation's oldest city, reminders of the contributions and struggles of black residents are readily available to be honored on a daily basis - all year 'round.

As part of the Spanish Empire for more than two centuries, black St. Augustinians were able to enjoy all of the benefits of Spanish citizenship at a time when their brethren were held in bondage by the British, and later, the Americans to the north. Spanish Florida and its capital, St. Augustine, served as beacon of hope and freedom for black slaves who risked everything to escape their owners and to live as free men and women under the protection of the Spanish king. In fact, this recurring loss of their "property" and Florida's potential for a plantation-based economy became two of the major reasons the British and the Americans were so eager to acquire Florida from Spain.

In 1821, Florida became an American territory where black slaves provided the labor force until the Civil War put an end to slavery - but not to discrimination. One hundred years later, St. Augustine's black residents played a major role in securing not only freedom, but equality for all Americans.

Today, this rich black heritage can still be seen in the Ancient City. For example:

Flight to Freedom: On February 10, experience the story of Fort Mose (pronounced "Moe-say") -- the first legally-sanctioned black settlement in what is now the United States. Meet an enslaved African fleeing to freedom, the Yamassee Indian who helps him, the slave trapper / trader who wants to find him, the Spanish priest who prays for him and Captain Francisco Menendez, leader of the Mose militia. Known as the Flight to Freedom, re-enactors bring this southbound 18th century "underground railroad" to life at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine. . A free trolley shuttle will run from the Castillo to Fort Mose Historic State Park just two miles north where Fort Mose served as a defensive outpost. The re-enactment is free, however; there is an entrance fee of $6 to enter the Castillo de San Marcos. Flight to Freedom takes place 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, please call Anastasia and Fort Mose Historic State Parks at 904.461.2033.

Fort Mose: Fort Mose de Gracia de Santa Teresa was established in 1738 by the governor of Spanish Florida as a haven for runaway slaves from the British colonies. The fort and the town's residents played a major role in the defense of St. Augustine until 1763 when Florida was acquired by Great Britain and Fort Mose was destroyed by the British. Today, an interpretive site explains Fort Mose and an elevated boardwalk provides access to the salt marsh where the settlement was once located. Later this year, a visitor center is scheduled to be opened on the site which is located at the end of Saratoga Street just off U.S. 1 at the northern boundary of St. Augustine's city limits. In the meantime, an impressive exhibit located in the Ponce de Leon Mall on U.S. 1 in St. Augustine tells the story of Fort Mose.

Lincolnville: One of St. Augustine's designated historic districts, Lincolnville was established at the end of the Civil War by newly-freed slaves. By 1885, Lincolnville had become a thriving black community and today features the largest collection of 19th century architecture in the city. The Excelsior Museum and Cultural Center at 102 M.L. King Avenue houses exhibits, photos and documents that tell the vibrant story of Lincolnville. The Willie Galimore Community Center at 399 South Riberia Street is named for a Lincolnville native who was a three-time All American and an NFL star with the Chicago Bears. In addition, on November 3-4 the Fort Mose Historical Society will host the 27th annual Lincolnville Festival - a major celebration of the black culture and heritage of Lincolnville.

Civil Rights Struggle: Many historians of the Civil Rights Era credit St. Augustine with playing a key role in the struggle for equality for American citizens. Recently, a series of markers related to the 1960's civil rights movement have been unveiled by the Civil Rights Memorial Projects Committee. So far, the markers include: St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church, 69 Washington Street, the "Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement" in St. Augustine; Mount Horeb Masonic Lodge at Chase Field on West King Street - a safe haven for teenagers during the civil rights struggle; First Baptist Church, 81 St. Francis Street, the "Cradle of the Civil Rights Movement"; St. Paul's AME Church, 85 M.L. King Avenue, served as the headquarters for the 1964 civil rights demonstrations in the city; the former home of civil right leader Goldie M. Eubanks, 172 Twine Street; and the Fountain of Youth Elks Lodge on Washington Street where much of the planning for the demonstrations took place. A seventh marker at 405 McLauglin Street tells the story of #36 Colored School, an elementary school that opened in 1901.

In addition, there will soon be additional ways to experience St. Augustine's black history. For instance, in February, the Visitors and Convention Bureau will launch a black heritage website. Also, the narrated presentation titled Freedom Road will debut January 25. Written and presented by local playwright James Bullock, the story is set in St. Augustine's 18th century Fort Mose and presents a unique and educational look at the area's African-American heritage. Admission to Freedom Road presentations is free of charge. The schedule is:

January 25 - 6 p.m. at St. Johns County Main Library, 1960 Ponce de Leon Blvd., St. Augustine.

February 4 - 1:30 p.m. at the St. Johns Ponte Vedra Library, 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach.

February 10 - 10 a.m. at Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine.

February 15 - 6:30 p.m. at St. Johns County Southeast Library, 6670 U.S. 1 South, St. Augustine.

February 16 - 6 p.m. at St. Johns County Main Library, 1960 Ponce de Leon Blvd., St. Augustine.

February 17 - 5 p.m. at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach.

February 20 - 6 p.m. at the St. Johns County Hastings Library, 6195 S. Main St., Hastings.

February 22 - 6:30 p.m. at the St. Johns County Bartram Trail Library, 60 Davis Pond Blvd., Julington Creek.

February 27 - 7 p.m. at the St. Johns County Hastings Library, 6195 S. Main St., Hastings.

April 1 - 4 p.m. in the Flagler Room at Flagler College, 74 King Street in St. Augustine.

April 10 - 6 p.m. at the Oldest House Museum, 14 St. Francis Street in St. Augustine.

For more information about Freedom Road presentations, call 904.827.6893. To learn more about upcoming events and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, call 1.800.653.2489, orgo to the Visitor and Convention Bureau's website www.getaway4florida.com.