7. Fort Mose, Florida
Just north of St. Augustine, Fort Mose stands as a monument to freedom and resilience. Established by the Spanish in 1738, it became the first free Black settlement in what is now the United States. Enslaved Africans who escaped British colonies found sanctuary here, forging a vibrant community and defending the outpost alongside Spanish forces. Despite its profound impact on African American history, Fort Mose remains overshadowed by more famous southern forts. Discover Fort Mose’s overlooked legacy.
