Fort Mosé, established in 1738 in Spanish Florida, was the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States. Located near St. Augustine, it was founded by formerly enslaved Africans who had escaped British colonies and sought refuge under Spanish rule. In exchange for freedom, they converted to Catholicism and pledged loyalty to Spain. Led by Captain Francisco Menéndez, a formerly enslaved man from South Carolina, Fort Mosé became a military outpost defending Spanish Florida against British attacks.

The settlement was a haven for freedom seekers and played a crucial role in the early Underground Railroad. In 1740, British forces under James Oglethorpe destroyed the fort, but it was rebuilt in 1752. In 1763, Spain ceded Florida to Britain, forcing many residents to flee to Cuba. Fort Mosé remains a symbol of Black resistance and resilience. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark that commemorates the early fight for Black freedom in America.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.

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